Development of a reduced biodiesel combustion kinetics mechanism for CFD modelling of a light-duty diesel engine

► A reduced biodiesel mechanism for 3D-CFD modelling of diesel engine is proposed. ► The proposed mechanism is applicable for various biodiesel fuel types and blends. ► Two global reactions are used to mimic the unsaturation levels in biodiesel fuels. ► Highest NOx reductions are achieved at low load when fuelled with biodiesels. ► Highest soot reductions are achieved at high load when fuelled with biodiesels.