In-cylinder simulations with es-ice/STAR-CD. (Image courtesy of CD-adapco).
The new version comes packaged with a pre-release of a new automated meshing tool for full geometry across the complete cycle of four-stroke gasoline and diesel engines. The automation aims to reduce mesh generation time while maintaining user control over the mesh size. When compared to existing es-ice trimmed cell meshing, the results of the analysis were comparable.
“This version demonstrates CD-adapco’s continued commitment to the ICE sector with the pre-release of a significant automated meshing technology and refinements to the existing ICE combustion models in STAR-CD,” explained Richard Johns, CD-adapco vice president of ICE. “Users can now experience the new mesh motion approaches demonstrating CD-adapco’s commitment to continue to lead this field of simulation.”
The new software generates meshes for various crank-angle positions at pre-processing. The meshes then morph over the engine stroke to optimize the mesh quality. For example, the mesh at the boundaries employs prism layers used to capture high gradient results, whereas an aligned mesh is used within the valve gap and a hexahedral mesh is used in the core of the model.
“Their engine simulation technology and dedicated support enable us to deliver a product to our end user in which we have great confidence,” said Ralf Speetzen, senior manager combustion simulation at MTU Friedrichshafen AG. “CD-adapco is an ideal partner because of their unwavering commitment to the IC engine’s development and ability to produce the right solutions to meet our strict engine project deadlines.”
STAR-CD and es-ice also improves the combustion model in this release. The new models will increase an engineer’s ability to simulate a dual-fuel engine by including the chemistry of both fuels being combusted. The combustion models include ECFM-CLEH combustion models, AKTIM spark ignition models, and equilibrium and auto-ignition tables. Additionally, the fuel chemistry library for single and dual engine operation has been expanded to include the following mixing of fuels:
- Natural gas–diesel
- Gasoline–diesel
- Gasoline–ethanol
CD-adapco is well recognized in the industry for their automotive CAE software STAR-CD. While the program still maintains a large user base, many more are starting to migrate onto the larger multiphysics platform STAR-CCM+. With the industry trend to consolidate software within one CAE platform, expect to see CD-adapco starting to shift users towards STAR-CCM+. This transition might be useful for users that wish to expand their simulation capabilities, but others that work with STAR-CD as a legacy code might be more apprehensive. These new releases to STAR-CD suggest that there are still a few more years left of the product as a solo offering. However, time will tell if we will see more product consolidation at CD-adapco.