Case Study: Engine Research Center (University of Wisconsin–Madison) achieves detailed block‑structured engine meshes for HCCI and combustion simulation with ANSYS ICEM CFD Hexa

Simulation of Flow and Combustion in Internal Combustion Engines

The Engine Research Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a leading academic group studying internal combustion engines, needed block‑structured computational meshes that capture fine geometric details (valved intake/exhaust ports, piston/liner crevices) to model temperature‑sensitive HCCI combustion and run rigorous grid‑resolution studies. To meet these needs and to integrate with their KIVA3V solver workflow, the center turned to ANSYS and specifically ANSYS ICEM CFD Hexa.

ANSYS delivered ICEM CFD Hexa to import or build detailed geometry, create flexible block‑structured hexa meshes, vary local resolution easily for grid studies, and export grids directly in KIVA3V (itape17) format. Backed by responsive ANSYS support, the solution enabled ERC to resolve near‑wall and crevice effects critical to HCCI modeling, streamline grid generation and resolution testing, and has been in active use at the center for three years with growing adoption and improved simulation fidelity.

Engine Research Center

Randy P. Hessel

Associate Scientist