Paper 1: The Use of a Small Digital Computer in Diesel Engine Design

Abstract

The use of a digital computer for thermodynamic and mechanical design calculations is now common practice in the diesel engine industry. Normally the complexity of the problems is such that a large capacity computer is necessary for the programs. At Rugby College of Engineering Technology the approach to the design has been affected by two considerations. (1) The requirements of a post-graduate course in Diesel Engine Design which necessitates that a team of students should be taught to understand and use the calculations and complete a design within ten months. (2) The convenience in using the College's own Elliott 803B computer rather than buying time elsewhere. The paper will demonstrate that a series of programs which individually are short and easily understood can be employed together for the design of a complete engine. Details are given of programs which are used for thermodynamic optimization of the design, gas flow, fuel system analysis, bearing design, thermal loading, and vibration analysis. A discussion of a typical design is included, illustrating the part played by the computer in the overall design.