A method of automotive engine life forcasting on the basis of laboratory start- ups test

The results of previously conducted research shows that in the case of automotive engines wear accompanying engine start-ups has significant contribution to the total wear of cylinder liner. Thus, it was assumed that wear of the liner measured after high number of start-ups can be representative for given conditions of engine operation in the vehicle and can be used to forecast engine life. The paper describes a new method of automotive engine durability prediction on the basis of wear measured after so called start-ups test. The start-ups test consists of series of repeatable cycles during which engine is started-up in precisely established temperature and operates for short time with no load and then is shut down and cooled down. To conduct the new test it is indispensable to obtain data regarding start-up conditions. But these data can be precisely determined on the basis of simple measurements made on any existing engine installed in a vehicle used in expected way. Moreover, the cost of the new test is significantly lower (minimal fuel consumption, engine does not have to be installed on dynamometer stand) and duration is shorter than in the case of standard tests. Considering advantages of the new start-ups test, it can be recommended as a part of the test stand reliability research of automotive engines. The developed method is simple and short and can be a complementary one to existing standard reliability research methods.