Modeling & Simulation for Optimization of Heavy-Fuel Micro Rotary Engines

This Phase II SBIR will develop and test a direct injected, heavy-fueled rotary engine based upon upgrading the existing engine (the AR74-1380) and utilizing analysis tools developed during Phase I. The program will provide the opportunity to continue research through modeling and simulation for optimization of heavy fuel micro rotary engines, and testing to provide model verification, all in support of converting the Rotary engine from gasoline to heavy fuel. Utilizing an existing engine design for this Phase II program allows the emphasis to be placed on the analysis (both CFD and Zero-Dimensional Modeling), as well as hardware advancements to achieve the desired results. Technology advancements in fuel injection and software simulation greatly improve the odds of establishing accurate performance models for a heavy fueled Rotary Engine. Dynamic fluid flow analysis and Zero-dimensional modeling can be utilized to refine advanced fuel delivery methods and rotor geometry, and evaluate induction configurations, resulting in successful operation of a small Rotary Engine capable of running on heavy fuel.