Modeling and validation of crankshaft speed fluctuations of a single-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine

Abstract

In this study, a dynamic model of a single-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine has been created, and the crankshaft speed fluctuations have been simulated and validated. The dynamic model of the engine consists of the motion equations of the piston, conrod, and crankshaft. Conrod motion was modeled by two translational and one angular motion equations, by considering the kinetic energy resulted from the mass moment of inertia and conrod mass. Motion equations involve in-cylinder gas pressure forces, hydrodynamic and dry friction, mass inertia moments of moving parts, starter moment, and external load moment. The In-cylinder pressure profile used in the model was obtained experimentally to increase the accuracy of the model. Pressure profiles were expressed mathematically using the Fourier series. The motion equations were solved by using the Taylor series method. The solution of the mathematical model was performed by coding in the MATLAB interface. Cyclic speed fluctuations obtained from the model were compared with experimental results and found compitable. A validated model was used to analyze the effects of in-cylinder pressure, mass moment of inertia of crankshaft and connecting rod, friction, and piston mass. In experiments for 1500, 1800, 2400, and 2700 rpm engine speeds, crankshaft speed fluctuations were observed as 12.84%, 8.04%, 5.02%, and 4.44%, respectively. In simulations performed for the same speeds, crankshaft speed fluctuations were calculated as 10.45%, 7.56%, 4.49%, and 3.65%. Besides, it was observed that the speed fluctuations decreased as the average crankshaft speed value increased. In the simulation for 157.07, 188.49, 219.91, 251.32, and 282.74 rad/s crankshaft speeds, crankshaft speed fluctuations occurred at rates of 10.45%, 7.56%, 5.84%, 4.49%, and 3.65%, respectively. The effective engine power was achieved as 5.25 kW at an average crankshaft angular speed of 219.91 rad/s. The power of friction loss in the engine was determined as 0.68 kW.