Design and Simulation of a four stroke Otto engine

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design and simulation of a four-stroke Otto engine, focusing on the use of CAD software for design and FEA/CFD simulations for analysis. Participants explore resources, methodologies, and considerations involved in this engineering project, which is primarily for learning purposes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks resources for designing and simulating an engine from scratch using CAD and FEA/CFD tools.
  • Another participant suggests exploring existing engine design simulators to understand available options before developing a custom solution, highlighting the complexity of engine components.
  • A third participant provides a link to a tutorial that may cover the CAD aspect of engine design.
  • Concerns are raised about the safety implications of building a physical engine, emphasizing the need for expert guidance if the project moves beyond simulation.
  • One participant questions the distinction between designing an engine and merely creating a visual representation in CAD.
  • The original poster clarifies their intention to create a 3D CAD model of the engine.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and scope of the project, with some focusing on the technical aspects of design and simulation while others raise concerns about safety and the distinction between design and representation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific goals and methods to be employed.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best approach to engine design and simulation, and there are varying interpretations of what constitutes a successful project outcome. The discussion includes assumptions about the participant's level of expertise and the resources available for the project.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in engine design, CAD modeling, simulation techniques, and those considering similar engineering projects for educational purposes may find this discussion relevant.

SeeSharp
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Hello,

I am looking for resources that show you how to design an simulate and engine from scratch.

I want to design a complete engine using CAD. Afterwards I would like to analyze the engine using FEA and CFD (Heat transfer, fluid flow etc.) simulations.
This is all for learning purposes. I will be using NX12 and probably ANSYS for CFD, although the package shouldn't matter to much.
Is there basically a tutorial on this whole process?

Thanks
 
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Sounds like a large project. I can't offer much in the way of software design, but it may be worthwhile looking at existing engine design simulators to get an idea about what is out there before you try and develop one yourself. Some of these have a cost, but have a free demo to look at, or have a lower functioning free version. There are a lot of areas in an engine where complicated things occur, and you may find that FEA/CFD is more helpful in certain areas. Combustion chamber/piston design, valve/ignition timing events, valvetrain harmonics, intake plenum effects, etc., have levels of complexity that can be studied for years, depending on how detailed your analysis gets.

http://www.performancetrends.com/Engine-Simulation.htm
http://www.quarterjr.com/
http://www.motionsoftware.com/
http://www.enginebuilderprofessional.com/
 
Are you actually going to build this thing, or is it just an academic exercise? If you are actually going to build it, the safety considerations are enormous and daunting. Please don't consider building it yourself without on site expertise to hold your hand at every juncture.
 
I think we need to clarify what you want to achieve and what is feasible.

Do you want to design an engine, or do you want to draw a picture of one?
3D CAD is essentially an elaborate drawing.
 
I want to "3D CAD" an engine, firstly.
 

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