Ricardo unveils next generation engine simulation software - Design Technology

Diesel Progress North American Edition, Feb, 2003

Ricardo Software, the Burr Ridge, Ill., division of Ricardo Inc., has unveiled the latest addition to its engine modeling software package. WAVE v5 is a one-dimensional gas dynamics simulation software suite designed for simulation and modeling of air and combustion gas flows in diesel and gasoline engines.

WAVE is designed to enable performance simulations to be carried out based on virtually any intake, combustion and exhaust system design. Typical development applications include:

* Engine performance and turbocharger matching.

* Intake and exhaust system design.

* Coupled engine control and driveline simulation.

* Advanced diesel and spark-ignition combustion analysis.

* Thermal analysis of combustion chamber components and exhaust system warm-up.

WAVE v5 now features more advanced preprocessors such as a built-in knowledge-based 3D Component Modeler/Automatic Mesher (Wave-Build3D) and a WAVE CAD mesher from STL import. These new preprocessors enable users to create complex models very quickly and accurately, the company said.

Another key attribute of the newest WAVE generation involves its ability to automate key elements of the simulation process. According to the company, current generation 1D simulation programs entail significant time spent preparing the engine flow network, an activity that adds little engineering value. WAVE v5 provides tools to automate this routine activity which reduces the development cycle time. "With WAVE v5, users can now automate the preprocessing of engine flow networks especially complex/irregular geometries such as manifolds, catalysts, air cleaners, etc. using tools such as the WAVE CAD mesher and the new built-in solid modeler," said Fawzan Alsharif, business development manager at Ricardo Software.

WAVE v5 also provides tools for automating run sweep generation, performing parametric designs and mathematical operations for the manipulation of input data, as well as a built-in auto-calibration capability where users can automate the task of matching simulation results with measured data. These features can significantly reduce development cycle time, the company said. In addition, the software incorporates intelligent defaults, based on Ricardo's experience, to any engine model flow network component created with WAVE. Optimization using DoE is also possible, using simple manual tuning tools.

The new software contains upgrades and additions in the areas of three-dimensional component automation, advanced physical models, post-processing and usability. It allows users to get results faster and provides models for predicting engine-out emissions, the performance of aftertreatment systems and the behavior of more complex combustion systems. It also incorporates enhancements to its variable valve timing capability and can model variable geometry turbocharger characteristics.

"1D codes typically allow the modeling of combustion using input combustion data (correlational models) or by means of predictive/empirical models," Alsharif added. "WAVE v5 stands out in that it provides full 3D CFD capability for modeling diesel combustion. This should allow engine performance analysts in the diesel industry to perform the most complex combustion calculation from within the WAVE environment, while benefiting from WAVE'S capabilities at producing results for the overall engine system designs."

WAVE v5 also allows the user to import STL files and easily mesh a complex component using the new WAVE CAD Mesher. This provides, Ricardo said, higher productivity and lower user-to-user modeling variability enabling a process of mesh to model in minutes. "Designing components occurs at a component level, so this is almost like a paradigm shift," said Alsharif. "Traditionally, 1D simulation codes allowed modeling flow networks using primitive objects such as ducts and junctions.

"The new XML file format technology allows modeling, storage and modification of components using the new component browser that allows management of component repositories, such as intake manifolds, exhaust manifolds or engine reasonators."

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