Engine quality screening system using vibration techniques

Abstract

Engine Cold Test is the current trend being pursued by automobile makers to improve on the quality control of their engine. This project looked into the development of an engine screening system (EQS) using vibration technique as part of the Engine Cold Test. The core of this project involved the development of the whole system from conceptual design upon agreement by the client. The EQS system implemented electric motor coupled with a motor driver to drive the engine provided by client. The project also developed the necessary software algorithm and data acquisition (DAQ) system, complete with test bench setup that includes fabrication of test stand and connecting shaft. Transducer such as accelerometers and cam sensor were used to take measurement from the engine during the test run. The outcome of the project includes a user interface that allowed for the control of the motor driver, data acquisition on the motor driver for the feedback related to operating condition of the motor, data measurement and analysis from accelerometer, and signal conditioning for the cam shaft sensor. The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) data was plotted in 3D to allow for future identification of engine components’ vibrating frequency upon further details of engine provided by the client.