Application of Vibration and Lubricating Oil Analysis Techniques to Monitor the Performance and Wear of an Internal Combustion Engine in a Durability Test

The durability test is an experimental test widely used in the automotive industry to verify the ability of an engine to withstand all operating conditions throughout its useful life. The test is performed on a dynamometric bench that subjects the engine to specific operating cycles. The objective of this study was to compare the level of wear of the power cell assembly and the performance of the engine operated with ethanol and gasoline during the durability test. Wear monitoring was performed through the application of vibration analysis and lubricating oil analysis techniques. The results showed that the level of wear and performance of the engine after the durability test were considered satisfactory. In general, the wear of the engine operated with ethanol was 5% higher than that of gasoline. The application of vibration analysis and lubricating oil analysis techniques was important in monitoring wear and allowed the complete completion of the test.