Governing of Compression-Ignition Oil Engines

Abstract

In this paper is discussed the application of some of the concepts of modern control theory to the problem of the governing of compression-ignition engines. A physical description of the problem is given, illustrated by measurements made on governors and engines, including some to show the effect of the finite-time intervals between successive firing strokes, and other non-linearities such as Coulomb friction. In Appendix I is discussed the setting up of the equations of motion of mechanical systems, and their solutions using vector methods and the inverse locus to find the stability and also the transient responses of the system. While none of the theory will be novel to control engineers, part of its presentation may be. Some experimental data obtained on medium-size engines are included, together with comments on their use and some details on the investigation of unstable engine-governor systems. A large saving in test-bed time is reported.