Title: Monitoring of a spark ignition engine malfunctions using acoustic signal technique

Authors: Ali I. Alahmer; Wail M. Adaileh; Mohammad A. Al Zubi

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tafila Technical University, P.O. Box 179, 66110 Tafila, Jordan ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tafila Technical University, P.O. Box 179, 66110 Tafila, Jordan ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tafila Technical University, P.O. Box 179, 66110 Tafila, Jordan

Abstract: This manuscript presents a fault detection method for a SI engine at variable speeds using acoustic signal technique. Two faults were addressed: misfire and the malfunction of manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. The main objective is to detect these two faults by measuring the sound pressure level (SPL) in decibels (dBA) at different engine speeds and one octave frequency bands in the audible human range, and then compare the results to the normal operating SPL engine. The experiments were conducted using a four cylinder, four stroke spark ignition Mitsubishi Lancer sedan engine (1.6 L) model 2006. The experimental results showed that: 1) the SPL due to misfire malfunction increases as the engine speed decreases; 2) at low frequencies the difference between the two values of SPL is very small compared at high frequencies; 3) the curve shape for SPL follows the shape of the power produced from the engine.

Keywords: acoustics; engine misfiring; manifold absolute pressure; MAP sensors; engine monitoring; spark ignition engines; engine malfunctions; SI engines; fault detection; sound pressure levels; engine speed; acoustic emission.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVNV.2014.064250

International Journal of Vehicle Noise and Vibration, 2014 Vol.10 No.3, pp.201 - 213

Received: 05 Jun 2013
Accepted: 30 Oct 2013
Published online: 10 Sep 2014 *

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