Ricardo Wave Tutorial ⇒ < PLUS >

The process of building a simulation in WAVE generally follows a linear workflow. Here is how to build your first model.

Before clicking buttons, you must understand what Ricardo Wave actually solves.

Wave solves the Euler equations (1D continuity, momentum, and energy) for unsteady gas flow. Instead of modeling the inside of the cylinder as a solid chunk, Wave treats ducts (pipes) as a series of meshes where pressure waves travel at the speed of sound. ricardo wave tutorial

Key Concept: When an intake valve opens, a depression wave travels up the intake runner to the plenum; when it closes, a pressure wave bounces back. The accuracy of your torque curve depends entirely on how well you model the timing and magnitude of these waves.

If you need a specific part explained in detail (e.g., setting up a turbocharger, or creating a valve lift array), let me know and I’ll write that section. The process of building a simulation in WAVE

Your schematic should now look like a straight line: Air In -> Intake -> Cylinder -> Exhaust -> Air Out.

Once you have mastered the basic Ricardo Wave, try these variations: If you need a specific part explained in detail (e

Now that your single cylinder runs, you can apply the true power of Wave: Parametric Studies.

Let us find the optimal intake runner length for peak torque at 6000 RPM.

The Principle: Long runners = low RPM torque; Short runners = high RPM horsepower. Wave calculates this perfectly.