Home > Research themes > Fuel-efficient vehicles > Powertrain modelling
Powertrain modelling
The growing complexity of vehicle powertrains, in terms of both architecture and control, means that modeling is necessary at every stage of research and design. Modeling is used both to define the characteristics of the combustion chamber and to optimize the various parts which make up the powertrain.
For this reason, IFP devotes a significant proportion of its research and development to the design of simulation tools.
Research themes
Modeling demands an in-depth knowledge of all the physicochemical phenomena at work in an engine.
In this field, IFP works in partnership with the car manufacturers, PSA Peugeot Citroën and Renault, as part of the Groupement Scientifique Moteurs (GSM). The results of this joint research cover:
- improved knowledge of the mechanisms involved in HCCI (Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition) diesel combustion, a combustion mode that shows great promise in terms of pollution reduction,
- optical techniques applied to a transparent engine, enabling detection of auto-ignition precursors,
- the effects of successive jet fuels on the structure of a mixture and on combustion,
- stratified combustion and, in particular, the value of the latest high-pressure injection technologies (200 bars) in terms of robustness and the control of nitrogen oxide emissions.
Ongoing projects
-
Three-dimensional combustion models are one of IFP’s specialties. This expertise has led to the production of the C3D code: a 3D combustion library for engines.
New models make particular use of a strategy that calculates combustion by tabulation. This makes it possible to predict pollutants and reaction rates. - Research is also focusing on modeling the interaction between diphasic spray and combustion.
- Development in the field of modeling also extends to large-scale 3D simulation (LES).
- In collaboration with LMS, IFP is vigorously pursuing the development of system simulation tools that can be used to model the behavior of components right through to the vehicle system. Of particular interest is the growing success of IFP-Drive (vehicle simulation), IFP Exhaust (gas after-treatment system) and IFP-Engine (engine simulation) with car manufacturers and leading OEMs. These libraries are available on the LMS Imagine. Lab simulation platform.
+ Industriel development > IFP's offer in engine technologies
