Modelling the monolithic exhaust converter/fuel reformer reactor—a zonal approach

A two-dimensional mathematical model of a monolithic catalyst support, based on a zonal approach, is developed to describe the heat interactions between the monolith channels. The development of such model is a step towards its incorporation in the complete thermal systems model of the propulsion powerplant. The model conservation equations are discretized using the finite volume method and a numerical solution method is presented. The model is validated using the experimental data available in literature for two cases: a steady state, non-reacting, non-adiabatic two-dimensional case and a transient (warm-up), one-dimensional reacting case. Comparison with literature experimental data showed good agreement. The zonal approach where multi-channel zones are used is demonstrated to provide robust and efficient simulation with significantly reduced simulation times compared with a single channel per zone grid, without introducing large errors. © 2000 Institution of Mechanical Engineers.