Combining an innovative measurement technique with accurate simulation to analyze engine friction

Abstract

The entanglement of an innovative measurement technique with an accurate simulation yields in total a powerful tool to investigate the friction power losses in engines under realistic operating conditions, as will be discussed in the following. While the total engine friction power losses and the friction of the valve train are measured experimentally, the friction power losses of the crank train journal bearings are calculated using simulation. The result is in an efficient and powerful determination of the individual engine subassemblies under realistic operating conditions ranging from idle to full load operation. The presented method can be used to assess the efficiency of various friction reduction measures like cylinder deactivation, (ultra)low viscosity lubricants or coatings and won in 2014 the Innovation award of Magna Logistics Europe.