Introduction to CI Combustion Modeling

This course introduces the core principles of CI combustion and the modeling techniques used to simulate and optimize diesel engine performance. Learners will explore topics such as turbulence, fuel spray behavior, heat transfer, and emissions formation, with a focus on how these elements are integrated into computational models. Designed for engineers and researchers, the course emphasizes analysis-led design and provides a strong foundation for advanced simulation work.

• Powertrain and combustion engineers working with diesel engine systems.
• Engineering students and researchers interested in simulation and modeling of internal combustion engines.
• Technical professionals involved in emissions control, fuel systems, or engine calibration.

Session 1: CI Combustion Fundamentals 

Session 2: Turbulence in CI Engines 

Session 3: Diesel Fuel Spray  

Session 4: Diesel Combustion 

Session 5: Heat Transfer in Engines 

Session 6: Engine Emissions 

Session 7: Diesel Multiple Injections 

Session 8: Analysis-Led Engine Design 

Zainal Abidin

Dr. Abidin’s formal training is in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis on Thermal/Fluids Systems. Within this field, he has specialized in Computational Fluid Dynamics, Reciprocating Compressor and Engine Design. Dr. Abidin has authored over 30 technical papers and reports, covering subjects including novel simulation methods, compressor performance improvement and engine design.

Dr. Abidin joined Southwest Research Institute in August 2009 in the Powertrain Division, where he is involved in engine/ after-treatment simulation and unique solutions to numerical problems. Dr. Abidin is actively involved on several on-going consortium and stand-alone projects in the division. Currently Dr. Abidin is managing the analysis team in the Design and Analysis Department. He is also actively teaching several courses at the UTSA as an adjunct Professor.

Ahmed Moiz

Dr. Moiz is a mechanical engineer with an emphasis on Thermal-Fluid systems. He has experience in hand-on testing in constant volume combustion chambers with laser diagnostics and plasma spectroscopy. Dr. Moiz’s experience also heavily involves Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) of engines.

After a post-doc at Argonne, Dr. Moiz joined Southwest Research Institute as a research engineer in January 2018 in the spark ignition department and moved to engine design and development department later that year. His role currently involves, performing CFD of SI and Diesel engines with an emphasis on design optimization and coating research for improved engine operation, ignition modeling to model the spark in an SI engine, combustion model development to improve run-time of CFD codes.