Author

Aaron Donlon

Abstract

There are several ways to test automotive timing chains for wear in a laboratory environment. One novel method proposed by Borg-Warner Morse TEC uses fluid jets striking an impeller blade. The momentum of the oil striking and deflected by the impeller blade is used to produce a torque. This torque is transmitted to the system through the timing chain. A previous theoretical design study (conducted elsewhere) evaluated some of the design factors as they related to machine performance and ultimately to the torque loads applied to the chain. From this theoretical study came the design for two novel bucket and bathtub impeller blades that were predicted to enhance the performance of the machine. This thesis entails the design, manufacturing, and testing of these two new impeller blade designs for comparison with the existing trough shaped blade. In order to test the impeller blades, a data acquisition system was designed utilizing strain gages and slip rings to obtain torque from the spinning system. The tests were run using the existing machine configuration with a crank sprocket shaft speed of 4000 rpm. The jet impingement angles were also modified and the resulting torque generated recorded. The final aspect of the study consisted of installing a variable speed motor onto the machine. Each blade was then run at crank sprocket shaft speeds of 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 rpm. This was done to determine the effects on the maximum and minimum torques and to study jet reformation and system dynamic effects.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Impellers--Dynamics; Automobiles--Motors--Testing; Chain drive--Testing; Impellers--Design and construction; Torque

Publication Date

2002

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Mechanical Engineering (KGCOE)

Advisor

Boedo, Stephen

Advisor/Committee Member

Nye, Alan

Advisor/Committee Member

Kozak, Jeff

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: TJ267.5.I6 D664 2002

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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