STAR-CD Release Helps Engineers Make Cleaner Engines and Combat Pollution

Simulation software for ICE design sees usability improvements and more accurate combustion results.

STAR-CD 4.26 improves accuracy to predict NOx and soot emissions. (Image courtesy of CD-adapco.)

STAR-CD 4.26 improves accuracy to predict NOx and soot emissions. (Image courtesy of CD-adapco.)

CD-adapco and Siemens PLM Software have just released a new version of their internal combustion engine (ICE) simulation software, STAR-CD v4.26. The release aims to improve the way engineers design combustion chambers to reduce the release of harmful NOx emissions.

Thanks to an updated NORA NOx emissions model, users of STAR-CD will be able to determine how to reduce the release of these pollutants.

NOx refers to the NO and NOreleased into our atmosphere. They are known lung irritants which put those with respiratory issues at risk. Other more serious consequences of NOx gases are when they react with other common chemicals and pollutants in the atmosphere to create acid rain, ozone and various toxic nitrates.

By studying an engine’s probability to release NOx early in the design cycle using simulation software like STAR-CD, engineers can better ensure that the final product can limit the release of these chemicals.

The new release also improves an engineer’s ability to model the soot emissions using the Soot Sectional Method. This will also help to predict reductions of the pollutants released by ICE designs.

To further improve the accuracy of ICE simulations, users will also be able to access the coding of:

  • NORA NOx source terms
  • Soot Sectional Method source terms
  • Bai droplet model impingement regimes
  • AKTIM ignition criteria

Engineers will also note the improvements to the advanced Wiebe model, which can now expand the scope and improve the accuracy of the results under a wider range of operating conditions and combustion scenarios.

Other improvements to STAR-CD include:

  • Improved estimation of knock and post-knock heat release using the Zonal Auto-ignition/Knock option for the TKI ECFM-3Z combustion model
  • Faster setup of multi-fuel simulations using internal or external TKI and LFS tables in the ECFM-3Z combustion model
  • New workflow to assign fuel injector spray setup

For more simulation tools from CD-adapco, read: STAR-CCM+ v11.04 Release Joins Siemens PLM Software Simcenter Portfolio.

Written by

Shawn Wasserman

For over 10 years, Shawn Wasserman has informed, inspired and engaged the engineering community through online content. As a senior writer at WTWH media, he produces branded content to help engineers streamline their operations via new tools, technologies and software. While a senior editor at Engineering.com, Shawn wrote stories about CAE, simulation, PLM, CAD, IoT, AI and more. During his time as the blog manager at Ansys, Shawn produced content featuring stories, tips, tricks and interesting use cases for CAE technologies. Shawn holds a master’s degree in Bioengineering from the University of Guelph and an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo.