Title: Methodology of fault detection in internal combustion engines through the analysis of rolling block oscillation

Authors: V. Macian, A. Broatch, B. Tormos, P. Olmeda

Addresses: CMT-Motores Termicos, Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Aptdo. 22012, E-46071 Valencia, Spain. ' CMT-Motores Termicos, Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Aptdo. 22012, E-46071 Valencia, Spain. ' CMT-Motores Termicos, Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Aptdo. 22012, E-46071 Valencia, Spain. ' CMT-Motores Termicos, Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Aptdo. 22012, E-46071 Valencia, Spain

Abstract: This paper presents a non-intrusive fault detection technique, based on the analysis of rolling block oscillations, assuming that the engine behaves as a rigid body mounted on elastic supports. Engine diagnosis is feasible with a single accelerometer, which constitutes an attractive procedure for maintenance engineers. The proposed method is illustrated with modelled and measured results obtained with two different automotive engines. The engine diagnosis is performed using a particular normalisation of the Fast Fourier Transform. The procedure leads to identify multiple sub-harmonics of the firing frequency which allow a reliable diagnosis.

Keywords: monitoring; ICEs; internal combustion engines; vehicle vibration; fault detection; rolling block oscillation; automotive engines; vehicle engines; sub-harmonics; firing frequency.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2009.027134

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2009 Vol.16 No.3, pp.294 - 309

Published online: 15 Jul 2009 *

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