A High Power Density, Commercially Based, Diesel Engine for FCS Vehicles

This paper outlines the process by which a current production commercial diesel engine was modified for high performance military use. Salient among the needs for military use are a compact package and high power output.

The compact engine package was addressed by the selection of a base engine of relatively small displacement and slim inline configuration. The air system, fuel pump, and other ancillary components were re-packaged close to the engine.

A high engine power output was achieved by turbocharging at the pressure ratios achievable by current production turbochargers, increased engine speed, and upgrades in the design of engine components. Close attention was paid to thermal and mechanical loading of all components of the engine. Most components in the engine were changed to accommodate these loadings and packaging needs. These changes were guided by modern analysis techniques such as Computational Fluid Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis, and computer aided vibration analysis.

The design and performance characteristics of the engine were confirmed in a test phase of the program.