Engine and Component Evaluation

Alternate Source Parts Qualification and First Article Testing

Government agencies are actively seeking alternative suppliers of engine components. To qualify, these parts must first pass a series of rigorous tests to ensure that they are equal to the original parts. SwRI has specialized facilities and staff to perform qualification tests that include simulated extremes of temperature and altitude, operation with poor quality fuels, and vibration of individual parts.

Air Filter Evaluations

SwRI has four flow benches with capacities of up to 4,000 cfm. These benches are available for performing standard air filter tests according to SAE J726, first article tests, specialized research programs requiring particle size distribution, media analysis, and procedures development.

Performance Development

SwRI is internationally known for research in design and development of diesel and gasoline engines. Capabilities include performance improvement of prototype and pre-production engines. Components such as turbochargers, aftercoolers, injectors, and pistons are evaluated for their effect on fuel consumption, power output, and exhaust emissions.

Noise Testing

This outdoor free-field facility is used to operate engines and generator sets up to 1,600 horsepower. The site meets the requirements of SAE J1074 and can operate year-round. Mechanical noise, intake noise, and exhaust noise are measured with a computerized data acquisition system.

Natural Gas Fueled Engines

Improvement of engine reliability and increased maintenance intervals are prime concerns of natural gas engine developers. SwRI provides valuable information to engine developers to meet performance goals. Comprehensive capabilities include design and installation of gas fuel conversion systems, engine optimization, performance mapping, determination of critical component wear rates, and improvement of maintenance intervals. The usable life of rotary engines converted for natural gas fueling was recently evaluated by monitoring wear rates and performance for as long as 6,000 hours. Natural gas fueled prime movers used in cogeneration applications can be evaluated for thermal efficiency, electrical efficiency, and total heat rejection.

Radiator Heat Rejection

Radiators for both on and off highway vehicles are evaluated in this facility, which features capacities of 10,000 cfm air and 100 gpm water, with automatic acquisition and calculation of data. NBS traceable air flow and temperature measurement result in heat balances within ±5 percent.

Durability and Reliability Testing

Long-term engine operation is routinely conducted on a 7-day, 24-hour basis for evaluation of engine components. More than 200 test stands are available with capacities of from 3 to 1,200 horsepower. Closed-loop engine control is performed by a distributed digital process control computer that is easily programmed for virtually any test cycle. Engine data are acquired and processed automatically by a host computer.

NATO Qualification

Numerous government agencies require new or modified engine models to be tested in accordance with NATO specifications. SwRI routinely performs these qualification tests, which include coordination with the applicable agency, performance of the required testing, final teardown inspection, and submission of a final report.

Partial List of Services Offered

This brochure was published in September 1995. For more information on engine and component evaluation, contact Robert Burrahm, Engine, Emissions and Vehicle Research Division, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28150, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, Phone (210) 522-3064, Fax (210) 522-2019.

Engine, Emissions and Vehicle Research Brochures
SwRI Brochures SwRI Publications
SwRI Technical Divisions SwRI Home