Large-eddy simulation of split injection strategies in RCCI conditions

In this study, we investigate the effect of different split injection strategies on ignition delay time (IDT) and heat release rate (HRR) characteristics in Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition conditions via large-eddy simulation and finite-rate chemistry. A diesel surrogate (n-dodecane) is injected into a domain with premixed methane and oxidiser in two separate injection pulses. Three different split injection strategies are investigated by fixing the amount of total fuel mass: varying the first injection timing, varying the second injection timing, and changing the fuel mass ratio between the two injections at a fixed injection timing. A compression heating mass source term approach is utilised to take compression heating into account. The main findings of the study are as follows: (1) In general, the IDT shifts towards the top-dead centre when the first injection is advanced or the second injection is retarded. The size and spatial pattern of the ignition kernels are shown to depend on the dwell time between the injections. (2) A precisely timed first injection offered the best control over ignition and HRR characteristics. However, advancing the first injection may lead to over-dilution downstream, preventing volumetric ignition and reducing the peak HRR value. (3) Approximately 21% decrease in the maximum HRR value, as well as a factor of 2.8 increase in combustion duration could be achieved by advancing the first injection timing. (4) As indicated by frozen-flow chemistry analysis, in the investigated configurations, the reactivity stratification is controlled by mixture stratification rather than temperature. The findings indicate that the first injection controls the downstream reactivity stratification, offering ignition and HRR control.