Title: Modelling of flow distribution during catalytic converter light-off

Authors: Dimitrios N. Tsinoglou, Grigorios C. Koltsakis, Dimitrios K. Missirlis, Kyros J. Yakinthos

Addresses: Laboratory of Applied Thermodynamics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece. ' Laboratory of Applied Thermodynamics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece. ' Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics and Turbomachinery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece. ' Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics and Turbomachinery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract: The flow field non-uniformities at the inlet of catalytic converters are considered undesirable for their performance. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a powerful tool for calculating the flow field inside the catalytic converter and optimising design concepts. However, the applicability of CFD for transient simulations is limited by the high CPU demands of this technique. The present study proposes an alternative computational method for the prediction of transient flow fields in axi-symmetric converters time-efficiently. The proposed flow resistance modelling (FRM) method is validated against the results of CFD predictions during a typical warm-up case. The FRM methodology is coupled with an already available transient model for heat transfer and chemical reactions in the catalyst. The effect of flow distribution on pollutant conversion and pressure drop is examined under warm-up and steady state operation.

Keywords: CFD; catalytic converter; automotive emissions; flow distribution; light-off; mathematical modelling; heat transfer; flow resistance modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2004.003961

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2004 Vol.34 No.3, pp.231 - 259

Published online: 10 May 2004 *

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