Abstract
This paper presents a numerical simulation of the combustion process of two types of liquid fuels, isooctane and biodiesel, with application of the OpenFOAM software package. The relevance of this study is caused by the growing interest in alternative energy sources as well as the need to reduce harmful emissions when using traditional hydrocarbon fuels. Biodiesel or biofuel can be used as an alternative liquid fuel in internal combustion engines because it is renewable and produces fewer harmful emissions when burned. The numerical simulations were used to analyze the temperature fields and velocity profiles for two specified types of fuel, traditional and alternative. The performed analysis showed that the maximum combustion temperature of isooctane is 100-150 K higher than that of biodiesel which is due to the physical and chemical properties of the fuels. Analysis of the speed characteristics showed that when isooctane is burned, more intense but less stable combustion of the fuel is observed. Biodiesel exhibits a more stable and uniform combustion mode with a smooth speed distribution and smaller local fluctuations. The obtained results indicate the feasibility of using biodiesel as a renewable and environmentally friendly fuel that can replace traditional hydrocarbon types of liquid fuels. The numerical analysis performed in the article has practical significance in the design of fuel systems for internal combustion engines. The results can be used to develop strategies for the transition to alternative energy sources.