Synergy effect of nozzle structure and pre-chamber reactivity on the combustion characteristics of ammonia engines

•Effects of nozzle structure and pre-chamber reactivity on ammonia combustion were studied.•A suitable nozzle angle is needed to avoid the jet flame-piston wall interaction.•A multi-hole pre-chamber is needed to get the maximum promoting effect of the high reactivity.•The recommended nozzle number is increased with the increasing pre-chamber reactivity.•Distribution of nitrogen-based emissions strongly depends on the flame characteristics. Ammonia (NH3) offers an attractive opportunity for internal combustion engines (ICE) to be carbon–neutral. An active pre-chamber fueled with hydrogen might be suitable to overcome the poor combustion characteristics of ammonia engines. The primary goal of this work is to numerically study the combustion characteristics of ammonia engines with a hydrogen-fueled pre-chamber, and the synergy effect of nozzle structure and pre-chamber reactivity (hydrogen quantity) are also considered. The results show that the hydrogen fraction is reduced to a low degree in the pre-chamber because of the scavenging process. Thus, it is better to inject hydrogen into the pre-chamber during the compression stroke. Although high pre-chamber reactivity is effective in improving the main chamber combustion, a multi-hole pre-chamber is needed to get the maximum promoting effect of the high reactivity when compared to the single-nozzle pre-chamber. For multi-hole pre-chamber, 2 mm is the recommended nozzle diameter when considering the promoting effect, and the recommended area-volume ratio (nozzle number) is increased with the pre-chamber reactivity. For nitrogen-based emissions, the distribution strongly depends on the flame characteristics. High pre-chamber reactivity can significantly reduce the NH3 emissions, while NO emissions will increase with the pre-chamber reactivity. The current study can give some insights and be a preface for the development of ammonia engines.