Instantaneous Crankshaft Torque Measurement in Cars

The instantaneous torque of an internal combustion engine has been measured in front of the flywheel, using a solenoidal magnetoelastic torque sensor. The measured torque in a four cylinder engine has been compared with pressure signals during bench tests, and excellent correlation with values of the mean effective pressure for each cylinder have been obtained. Road tests have been performed in a car with a five cylinder engine and automatic transmission. Results with respect to engine control and misfire detection are presented, which show only minor disturbances from driving on rough roads.