Engine Durability and Reliability Testing 

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) plays an integral role in developing and modifying production engines and components for the automotive industry. As an independent and multidisciplinary research, development, and testing organization, the Institute is uniquely qualified to aid automotive and engine manufacturers in producing world-class engines. SwRI provides a wide range of engine-design services, including conceptual design, cycle simulations, definitive design, modeling, systems analyses, prototyping, and preproduction builds.

After design and fabrication are completed, the engine or component is tested for reliability and endurance. Using sophisticated instrumentation and dedicated, state-of-the-art test cells, Institute engineers provide rapid and cost-effective endurance testing. SwRI's Engine and Vehicle Research Division has achieved certification to ISO 9001, ensuring compliance with stringent quality control procedures in design, development, and testing.

(a)	(b)	(c)
SwRI evaluates a wide range of engines, including (a) heavy-duty diesel engines, (b) motorcycle engines, and (c) lawn and garden engines.

Continuous Operation

Institute engineers routinely conduct long-term engine operation on a continuous basis to verify engine and component durability and reliability. SwRI operates an engine durability laboratory with 16 flexible and well-equipped test cells that evaluate a wide spectrum of engines, ranging from hand-held lawn equipment to heavy-duty diesel engines. Experienced technicians perform data-acquisition and closed-loop engine control using a variety of computer hardware platforms and software. As part of SwRI's comprehensive engine data-acquisition system, flight-data recorder systems provide useful pre-event data after an unexpected engine shutdown or failure.

Special Tests

Specially equipped test cells provide a comprehensive range of test capabilities including altitude simulation, low-temperature environment (-35°C), thermal cycling, and engine motoring. Using a state-of-the-art coolant chiller system designed specifically for SwRI, the Institute offers Deep-Thermal Shock testing (coolant supply at -30°C). SwRI staff test components such as starters, alternators, water pumps, diesel injection systems, and port fuel injectors in bench test stands, which enable test components to undergo extreme temperature and vibration testing.

Using quick-change carts to exchange engines in test cells, SwRI technicians reduce the time for engine setup and minimize cost to the client.

Flexibility

For more than 30 years, SwRI has performed engine durability and reliability testing on engines that vary in fuel types, sizes, and uses. These engines include:

Gasoline

• Automotive
• Lawn and garden
• Marine
• Military
• Motorcycle
• Industrial

Diesel

• On-highway, including light-, medium-, and heavy-duty
• Off-highway, including farm, construction, power generation, and military
  • Industrial and stationary
  • Marine
  • Rotary
  • Turbines
  • Locomotive
• Natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and hydrogen
  • On- and off-highway
  • Industrial and stationary
  • Rotary

Experienced engineers and technicians perform industry standard and customized test procedures and practices. Engine health monitoring and inspections are integral to all engine tests. In addition to monitoring routine engine operation, SwRI staff provide the following services:

This brochure was published in August 2001. For more information on engine durability and reliability testing, contact Marc Megel, Engine, Emissions and Vehicle Research Division, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28150, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, Phone (210) 522-3079, Fax (210) 522-4673.

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