Engineering Services

Powertrain Mechanics

Tribology & Fluids

The proper function of an engine's engine lubrication, ventilation and cooling system are fundamental issues for modern mechanical development. The trade-off between reliable dimensioning and minimizing system losses must be solved efficiently. To solve this issue, FEV has created the world largest engine friction database (benchmark of >300 modern engines), advanced 1D and 3D simulation packages and sophisticated measurement techniques for testing and troubleshooting. FEV's mechanical engineering specialists utilize these basic developmental tools to achieve the most efficient design.

  Tribology and Fluids
FEV utilizes the following methods/measurements in the field of tribology and engine fluids:

  • Telemetric piston temperature measurements
  • Advanced TEHD (Thermo-Elasto-Hydro-Dynamic) bearing analysis
  • Dynamic oil pressure measurements and cavitation detection in the connecting rod supply bore
  • Dynamic Piston Friction Force (PIFFO) measurements, using the FEV one-cylinder engine
  • Build up of demonstrator engines/vehicles, for example using a low friction roller bearing cranktrain

Additional tools and resources that FEV utilizes:


Cooling System Development Cooling System Development

  • 1D system conception/layout with GT COOL
  • CFD analysis with STAR CD
  • Conception of thermal management (simulation and in-vehicle testing)
  • Engine heat balance measurement (climate chamber testing)

Lubrication System Development Lubrication System Development   

  • 1D oil network with FLOWMASTER
  • Experimental oil aeration analysis
  • Visual analysis of oil sump dynamics using transparent oil pans
  • HD bearing layout with Virtual Engine by FEV
  • TEHD bearing analysis

Ventilation System Development Ventilation System Development

  • 1D concept work and layout
  • Simulation/measurement of ventilation losses
  • Layout of Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) and oil separation systems

Engine Friction Optimization Engine Friction Optimization 

  • Friction benchmark/prediction (world largest friction database)
  • Motored investigation using the strip method
  • Analysis of break away torque at low temperatures (down to -30°C)
  • Friction analysis on fired engines
  • Dynamic friction analysis of piston group (FEV PIFFO system with floating liner)