Application of predictive techniques of vibration analysis and lubricant analysis for monitoring components and preventing failure in internal combustion engines

Over the years, the application of predictive analysis techniques in internal combustion engines to detect internal component wear and avoid catastrophic engine failures has evolved a lot. Among the most used are the vibration analysis and analysis of lubricating oil. The objective of this study is to investigated the vibrational behavior of an internal combustion engine in function of fuel and the type of technologies incorporated into automotive oils. The results show that the vibration level of the engine increases with the time of use of the lubricating oil and that this increase is very significant when the oil viscosity reaches the minimum value stipulated by the manufacturer. Semi-synthetic and synthetic lubricating oils have similar engine protection characteristics, but synthetic oil protecSt the engine for a longer period of time due to less degradation of chemical properties compared to semi-synthetic. Mineral lubricating oil presented protection for a very short test period, due to the rapid degradation of chemical properties and measurements showed an average increase of 20% of vibration engine running with mineral lubricating oil in relation synthetic and semi-synthetic oils. This research is important because it correlates the degradation of the lubricating oil with the engine vibration level and vibration problems in internal combustion engines produce premature wear on the internal components of the engine, which contributes to reduce the lifespan of the engine. This study also shows how is important to observe the correct application of automotive oils.