Combustion Research Tools & Techniques

Ricardo has throughout its history been highly active in the field of combustion research, improving the understanding of fundamentals of combustion systems and using this knowledge to create the next generation of more fuel efficient and cleaner burning engines. Non-intrusive experimental methods including phase doppler anemometry (PDA) particle image velocimetry (PIV) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) are used on optically accessed engines and fuel spray rigs to provide valuable data for the validation of predictive CAE methods. These include in-cylinder mixture formation and combustion modelling using the Ricardo VECTIS CFD and WAVE packages.

Combustion research tools and techniques available to customers: 

• Non-intrusive experimental methods including PDA, PIV and LIF are available for the development of advanced fuel injection and combustion systems through our partnership with the internationally respected Sir Harry Ricardo Laboratories of the University of Brighton, UK
• These and other methods can be used to calibrate predictive CAE tools for combustion development such as the Ricardo VECTIS CFD and WAVE packages, enabling designs based on new concepts to be optimized
• Consultancy services extend to the provision of research engines and the development of the latest optically accessed technologies
• Further tools and techniques are available, for example, to understand in detail the behaviour of oil in the crankcase of a running engine