Numerical Study on the Mechanism of Stoichiometric Combustion Knock in Marine Natural Gas Low-Carbon Engines in Rapid Compression Machine Combustion Chambers

Qiang Zhang, Xiangrong Li (), Zhipeng Li, Yang Xu, Guohao Zhao and Baofeng Yao ()
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Qiang Zhang: School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Xiangrong Li: School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Zhipeng Li: China North Engine Research Institute, Tianjin 300400, China
Yang Xu: China North Engine Research Institute, Tianjin 300400, China
Guohao Zhao: School of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
Baofeng Yao: School of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-19

Abstract: The vigorous development of marine engines fueled by natural gas can effectively support the reform of energy structures in the field of ship power, aligning with the global trend toward sustainable development and green shipping. However, the presence of knock significantly hinders the improvement of engine thermal efficiency. Therefore, studying the knock mechanism in natural gas engines is not only crucial for enhancing engine power and economy but also for advancing the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources in the maritime industry. In this paper, via a 2D numerical model, the dominant role in the knock mechanism of stoichiometric methane combustion in a combustion chamber of a rapid compression machine (RCM) is revealed. It further establishes the association mechanism between constant-volume combustion and pressure wave suppression at high temperatures. The results show that the knock is caused by the end-gas auto-ignition. The increase in initial temperature can significantly change auto-ignition modes and combustion modes, but initial pressure has little effect on this. The increase in initial temperature will inhibit the strength of pressure waves, and the increase in initial pressure cannot significantly increase the strength of pressure waves. The main cause why auto-ignition occurs earlier is not due to the increase in the strength of pressure waves, but the decrease in the required increase in temperature to attain ignition temperature caused by the increase in initial temperature. The peak pressure is affected by the initial pressure on the left wall before auto-ignition and the increase in pressure on the left wall at low to medium initial temperature. The pressure oscillation amplitude is positively correlated to the increase in pressure on the left wall. Constant volume combustion will occur at a high initial temperature. The increase and decrease in pressure are very uniform which will lead to the decrease in the pressure oscillation amplitude. The peak pressure depends on the influence of initial temperature and pressure on the increase in pressure produced by constant volume combustion.

Keywords: marine natural gas engine; knock mechanism; stoichiometric combustion of methane; auto-ignition modes; flame-pressure waves interaction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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