Title: A low-cost and effective automobile engine fault diagnosis using instantaneous angular velocity evaluation

Authors: Yiu Lun Tse; Peter W. Tse

Addresses: The Smart Engineering Asset Management Laboratory (SEAM), City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Ave., Hong Kong, China ' The Smart Engineering Asset Management Laboratory (SEAM), City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Ave., Hong Kong, China

Abstract: Automobile component malfunctions are typical causes of many on-road accidents. Proper fault diagnosis conducted on automobile engines helps to prevent accidents by providing early warnings. The instantaneous angular speed (IAS) method, which uses low-cost sensors, has proved useful in diagnosing combustion-related faults in engines. In this paper, we evaluated various types of faults that occur in engines using the IAS method. The method clearly reveals the differences between normal and anomalous temporal waveforms generated during the engine combustion process. The results show that the IAS method is capable of generating quality fault diagnostic results that are comparable with those obtained using expensive and conventional pressure sensors mounted on engines. This method could help prevent catastrophic accidents and minimise the improper consumption of expensive fuel.

Keywords: automobile industry; vehicle inspection; engine fault diagnosis; instantaneous angular speed; IAS; combustion process; health monitoring; fuel consumption; accident prevention; vehicle safety.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSEAM.2014.063884

International Journal of Strategic Engineering Asset Management, 2014 Vol.2 No.1, pp.2 - 21

Published online: 30 Aug 2014 *

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