Simulation of ceramic DPF media, soot deposition, filtration efficiency and pressure drop evolution

Diesel particulate filters are gradually making their way into series production to keep emissions of fine dust to a minimum. But which filters are most efficient at extracting the noxious particles? How do the geometrical details of the filter material affect the filter properties? Until now, researchers and developers have to conduct series of tests to answer questions like these: They build prototypes, which then have to prove their abilities in experiments. The new simulation software FilterDict could in the future significantly reduce the number of prototypes, cutting time and cost of development - and offer some powerful new features, as well. For the first time, the 3D simulation software gives full insight into the filtration process. It allows simulating how fast and how far particles penetrate into the filter, for example - using any kind of filter material. As its input data, FilterDict requires a filter material model from the microstructure generator GeoDict, various physical parameters, and the particle size distribution. The program computes the path of the soot particles through the filter media. The simulation shows how much soot is deposited in which part of the filter and provides filter efficiency and pressure drop evolutions. Therefore, the design of the filter can be optimized to achieve long regeneration intervals, low fuel consumption and a high engine rating.