Final Assessment- Portfolio 100%

The assignment will demonstrate practical use of software, critical analysis of data relating to engine testing and modelling techniques. Evidence may include written reports, video and audio evidence and software data files equivalent to 5000 words. Learning outcomes 1-5.

Physical engine testing and development is imperative to ensure you maintain the winning edge. Race teams spend large budgets and staff resources to find small percentage gains over the competition. To ensure successful validation of simulated models engine test facilities are utilised creating a plethora of data from flow bench tests to dynamometer combustion analysis. This module allows you to develop higher level analytical skills required to be competent within the industry. You will have access to large data files allowing you to analyse test results and determine correct development paths.

1. Engine Testing and operation:
This section will consider the use of engine dynamometers, chassis dynamometer, test cells and flow bench testing. It will enable you to evaluate Poor performance, abnormal or excessive mechanical noise, erratic running, low power, exhaust emissions, abnormal exhaust smoke, misfiring, running-on, surging, ignition noise, excessive fuel consumption, excessive oil consumption, and excessively low or high coolant temperature.
You will consider cylinder head, piston, and combustion chamber design. Also bath tub, split level, may fireball, hemispherical, pent roof and CVH. You will understand induction swirl, directed straight port, deflector wall port, masked valve port and helical port. Flame propagation, intensity of detonation, controlled and uncontrolled combustion, including cause and effects are also covered both in pre and post ignition.
The module includes flow bench techniques, cylinder head design and augmentation to manufacturer’s cylinder head design and how it affects engine performance and torque.
2. Engine Mapping Strategies
Flame travel, pre-ignition and detonation and the properties of fuels: octane rating, flash point, fire point and volatility will be studied. You will look at the combustion process for spark ignition and compression ignition engines and the by-products of combustion for different engine conditions and fuel mixtures: CO, CO2, O, N, H2O, NOx.
This section covers the principles of map-able engine management systems, connection of EMS to engine to include requirements of advanced wiring harness, sensors and actuators. Also connection of EMS to PC and implementation of map-able EMS.
You will study basic engine set-up, soft and hard engine speed limiters, speed index mapping, throttle position limit and default set-up and engine sensor and actuator set-up.
The Mapping section will cover all about maps, fuel, ignition and lambda. TPS vs speed, ignition compensation map, dwell timing, target lambda, adaptive fuel maps, lambda control and boost/manifold pressure maps. Also the function of EMS with regards to data logging and histograms.
3. Model Validation and Engine Development
You will validate simulation models from experimental and test data and through the use of empirical and measured data to ensure accurate fully validated simulation models. You will develop CAD models and study the use of Rapid Prototypes to speed up physical testing output data and make comparisons and critical analysis of measured and simulated data to determine research and development paths.

Delivery is by distance learning with a comprehensive resource handbook on the VLE and available to download containing topic information, example questions and email and telephone support being available through our online VLE known as the Virtual Learning Studio (VLS), individual tutorials and student forum. Specialist knowledge will be delivered by staff through video input. Study is by independent learning with tutor support of approximately 6 hours per module but students may access tutors whenever they choose within the working week 9-5 BST.

Computer with fast broadband connection
Range of resources located on the VLS
Library Services through Sconul access or e books

*Blair, G.P. (1998) Design and Simulation of Four-Stroke Engines. Warrendale: Society of Automotive Engineers.
Dixon, S.L., (2005) Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics of Turbomachinery. Burlington: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann.
*Dunn-Rankin, D., (2011) Lean Combustion : Technology and Control. Burlington: Academic Press.
Energy Science, Engineering and Technology: Fuel Efficiency. (2011) Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
*Heisler, H. (2002) Advanced Vehicle Technology; 2nd Ed. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann
Irvin Glassman (Author), Richard A. Yetter (Author), Nick G. Glumac (Author), (2014) Combustion (5th Ed) Academic Press, ISBN 012407913X
Walker, D. (2001) Engine management: Optimising Carburettors, fuel injection and ignition systems. Yeovil: Haynes Pub.
*Core texts, select at least one

1) Critically examine measured data and identify the effects of abnormal engine operation. (Enquiry, Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding).
2) Study flow bench data, calculate appropriate results and report upon various engine augmentation and its effects on engine performance. (Learning, Application, Problem Solving).
3) Carry out basic set-up and input all ‘start-up’ data into engine management map files and correctly apply basic maps to engine management system for safe running of engine. (Application).
4) Analyse engine performance with the correct implementation of data logging and histograms to diagnose, locate and remedy faults. (Analysis, Problem Solving).
5) Access, analyse and interpret several data records of pre-designed engines and detect faults and modify engine designs to correspond with correct decision making. (Analysis, Communication, Problem Solving, Enquiry).