DESCRIPTION

Technical Description

Every reciprocating engine generates mass forces. The mass forces of the oscillating masses cannot be compensated completely, while the mass forces of the rotating masses are fully compensated. By using several cylinders it is possible that the forces compensate each other. However, disturbing moments may still occur.

The experimental unit TM 180 enables investigation of the free masses and moments of a reciprocating engine with a single cylinder, with two cylinders or with four cylinders.

The engine model comprises pistons with plastic slide bushes. The slide bushes do not require lubrication. For each cylinder, the angle between cranks can be adjusted continuously. As an aid, marks are provided at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°.

The oscillating masses can be varied by using additional weights at the pistons. The four-throw crankshaft is driven by a DC motor and a synchronous belt. The speed is electronically controlled and digitally displayed. The free forces and moments are recorded by force sensors placed at the support of the model. All electronic functions are integrated in the display and control unit. The display and control unit also contains the USB interface for data acquisition.

The GUNT software enables the detailed evaluation of the signals of forces and moments.

The well-structured instructional material sets out the fundamentals and provides a step-by-step guide through the experiments.

Learning Objectives / Experiments

- effect of mass forces
  * mass forces in dependence on the speed
  * mass forces in dependence on the piston mass
  * first and second order mass forces

- comparison of different crank drives
  * 4-cylinder, symmetrical, 180° angle between cranks
  * 4-cylinder, non-symmetrical, 90° angle between cranks
  * 2-cylinder, 180° angle between cranks 
  * single cylinder