Test rig description

The engine test rig as shown in Fig.1 comprises of mechanical JCB TCAE-108 SE engine with in-line configuration and 1-3-4-2 firing sequence, controlled by a Fenner QD: E IP55 variable speed drive. This especially use in cold test case by passively driving the engine by a variable frequency drive connected through a driveline that delivers the power to the diesel engine crankshaft and the pistons through the flywheel. There is no firing or combustion hence absence of fuel lines, pump, exhaust manifold and valves.

Instrumentation

Sensors and transducers employed for measuring and obtaining different signals for the cold test engine includes optical encoder for engine synchronisation which measures the angular position of crankshaft. Thermocouples which measures the temperature of lubricating oil and coolant; microphone to measure sound acoustic signals; AE sensor and accelerometers to measure AE and vibration signals, respectively. These signals are obtained by the Data Acquisition system (DAQ) for further signal processing

Typical fault simulation

The test rig can stimulate various kind of mechanical engine faults such as Piston slap faults, Bearing knock faults (oversized clearance faults) and lubrication oil faults.