Detailed chemical kinetic modeling of iso-octane SI-HCCI transition

We describe a CHEMKIN-based multi-zone model that simulates the expected combustion variations in a single-cylinder engine fueled with iso-octane as the engine transitions from spark-ignited (SI) combustion to homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion. The model includes a 63-species reaction mechanism and mass and energy balances for the cylinder and the exhaust flow. For this study we assumed that the SI-to-HCCI transition is implemented by means of increasing the internal exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) at constant engine speed. This transition scenario is consistent with that implemented in previously reported experimental measurements on an experimental engine equipped with variable valve actuation. We find that the model captures many of the important experimental trends, including stable SI combustion at low EGR (∼0.10), a transition to highly unstable combustion at intermediate EGR, and finally stable HCCI combustion at very high EGR (∼0.75). Remaining differences between the predicted and experimental instability patterns indicate that there is further room for model improvement.