Durability Testing

Due to reduced development times, an efficient method for testing the entire engine is necessary. The functionality and life expectancy of the engines have to be verified with effective durability investigations on the test bench and in the vehicle.

The test bench investigations, which are specified in the individual engine test program, are performed in the reinforced FEV Mechanical Test Center on automated state-of-the-art test benches and under the following conditions:

• 24 hours a day
• 7 days a week
• Automatically controlled safety limits
• High number of measurement channels
• Potential of data recording from the ECU
• Detection of wear behavior and life expectancy
• Possibility of loaded accessories
• Availability of two independent cooling systems (hot/cold) for thermo cycle tests
• Established analytical procedures of all operating fluids (24 hour response)
• Utilization of both, common fuel and alternative consumables like CNG and LPG
  

In addition to conducting the durability run, FEV has established a procedure for both test bench and vehicle testing, which includes the following:

• Reporting of progress
• Reporting of failures
• Documentation by picture
• Rating of all engine parts

This standard process can be expanded on demand for additional component measurements, material analysis and wear investigation.

FEV proposes to conduct reproducible, long-term vehicle testing on domestic representative circuits with shares of real world driving on "Autobahns", interstates and city streets. Beside the observation of the engine and powertrain, vehicle durability tests also allow the endurance evaluation of all other components of the car.

FEV's road testing program is characterized with the following features:

• 1400 km per testing day
• Professional drivers
• Permanent access to the vehicles is possible