Looking for heat engine simulation software

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the search for a generic heat engine simulation software capable of modeling various engine types, including reciprocating and Stirling engines. The user, Kerwin, seeks to analyze outputs such as power and efficiency while manipulating input variables like engine dimensions and material properties. Existing solutions like ANSYS and Abaqus have not yielded satisfactory results, and the conversation suggests that a combination of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) may be necessary for detailed simulations. Additionally, simpler analytical or numerical models can be created using tools like Excel or MATLAB.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of heat engine principles and thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques
  • Knowledge of finite element analysis (FEA) methods
  • Proficiency in using MATLAB or Excel for numerical simulations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced CFD software options for heat transfer analysis
  • Explore finite element analysis (FEA) techniques specific to heat engines
  • Learn how to create numerical simulations in MATLAB for engine performance
  • Investigate the capabilities of Lotus Engine Software for piston engine simulations
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, researchers, and students interested in heat engine design and performance analysis will benefit from this discussion, particularly those exploring simulation software for thermodynamic applications.

kkhu
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Hi!

I am wondering if anyone here knows of a generic heat engine simulator. I.e. something that can simulate the behavior of reciprocating engines, Stirling engines, and so forth.

The outputs I'm interested in include things like power and efficiency. The input variables that I would play around with include engine dimensions and material properties.

The approaches I've found tend to be CFD type simulations, but I'm not particularly concerned with fuel flow or combustion. In fact, for my purpose I could abstract the heat source as a simple heat flow. The heat transfer parts are what concerns me, mostly.

I've tried using multiphysics FEA packages such as ANSYS and Abaqus, however, I have not been able to produce reasonable results.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Regards,
Kerwin
 
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Lotus Engine Software is a simulation for 4 stroke piston engines. I don't know of any generic heat engine, as they ar eso different and require quite specialist simulations.

It also depends on the level and type of information you want. IT's be possible to build a rudimentary analytical or numerical simulation in excel or matlab. If you want detailed info on how the fluid flows or interacts then you need some pretty hefty software. (CFD + FEA or FSI)
 

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