Technique of simultaneous synchronized evaluation of the tribological components of an engine under realistic conditions

Abstract

One of the main drivers in developing advanced engines and formulating new lubricants is fuel economy. The direct relationship of frictional loss to fuel economy in an internal combustion engine has resulted in an increased interest in understanding engine performance at the component level. With the advances in data acquisition systems and sensor technology, extensive study of the main engine components, i.e. valve train, piston assembly, and engine bearings, have been possible, resulting in the development of a versatile engine friction measurement system. Total engine and component friction measurements were carried out on a single-cylinder Ricardo Hydra gasoline engine under fired conditions. For such measurements, the engine is fitted with more than 50 different sensors and to sample/log data from such a large number of transducers, an advanced high-speed synchronized data acquisition system was designed. This paper explains the experimental techniques used to measure simultaneously total and component friction under fired conditions. This system can be used as a powerful tool for screening lubricants, validating complex mathematical models at system level, and studying the effect of different additives and materials on the performance of each engine component under realistic engine operating conditions.