Modelling the catalyst future

Three-way catalysts are now used extensively to reduce emissions from spark ignition engines. Considerable research is being undertaken to find ways of improving their design and effectiveness. One way to achieve this would be to develop a simulation tool that will predict emissions and system pressure loss. Many design variants could be simulated prior to prototype manufacture and test. Not only would this hold the prospect of producing better designs, but it would also provide the opportunity of reducing development costs by shortening test programmes. This article describes and approach to develop such a model.