Factorial Testing of Diesel Engine Piston Rings

The use of the factorial method of testing is demonstrated for four diesel engines. Each engine was investigated in a series of eight tests for the effect of seven parameters on oil consumption and blowby. This method of testing is shown to be efficient in surveying effects of test parameters.

The factorial approach forces well-planned experiments, gives equal weight to each of the factors being studied, forces the experimenter to keep other factors constant, and produces results in an efficient manner.