The model is constructed around a four-cylinder engine held on a cantilever and sturdy base. The cantilever is mounted on a vertical pillar. The engine includes crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, and non-metallic cylinder liners. The non-metallic lined cylinders prevent the need for Lubrication. Different cylinder arrangements can be achieved between 4, 2 and 1. The cantilever arrangement has a number of strain gauges (load cell) attached to measure combined bending and torsion being applied during engine running. This then allows the forces, torques and moments to be calculated. The load cells have an output to the data acquisition oscilloscope for vibration monitoring. A DC motor drives the crankshaft between 100 and 3000rpm. The speed is electronically controlled within the unit by using a precision frequency generator and digitally displayed. Each piston has the ability to have its mass adjusted by adding or removing weights. These weights are securely fixed during engine running. Individual crank angle adjustment can be achieved with angular graduations at 0, 90, 180 and 270°. All tools, additional piston masses, connecting cables, and power leads are supplied. All rotating elements of the machine are stored away behind transparent safety covers, allowing full protection whilst ensuring visibility of the experiment and components. A comprehensive instruction manual for students and trainer, giving full details on apparatus assembly and operation as well as example results. All necessary assembly and operational tools are provided.
Experiments
- To allow the investigation and measurement of oscillating and rotating masses on a four cylinder model engine.
- Comparison of different crank arrangements: Four cylinder, symmetrical.
- Four cylinder, unsymmetrical Two cylinder,180° crank offset Single cylinder
- Effect of adding or removing cylinder masses on forces.
- The use of load cells within a model engine.
- Effect of mass forces:
* Mass forces in dependence on the speed.
* Mass forces in dependence on piston mass.
* First and second order mass forces. - Comperison of different
* 4-cylinder, symmetrical, 180o angle between cranks.
* 4-cylinder, non-symmetrical, 90o angle between cranks.
* 2-cylinder, 180o angle between cranks.
* Single cylinder
Specifications
- 4 cylinders Motor speed 100~3000rpm.
- Nominal power output:80W.
- Anti-vibration mounted base.
- Model engine mounted on load cell cantilever.
- Cylinder block to be fitted with transparent front wall as guard for the moving parts.
- Comprehensive instruction manual provided.
- Investigation of free mass forces and moments of a reciprocating engine.
- Continious adjustment of the angle between cranks.
- Simulation of single, two or four cylinder engines.
