TBO evaluation of naval and aircraft diesel engines

This paper demonstrates that the experience from Formula 1 and watercraft racing can be applied directly to assess and improve the aircraft/maritime conversion of automotive commercial engines. A direct comparison of the main parameters that characterizes modern CRDID (Common Rail Direct Injection Diesel) and Formula 1 racing engine demonstrates that the similarities are hidden inside the design criteria. In fact, CRDIDs should output high torque at low rpm (1000-3000rpm) while racing engine should have top torque at 9000-11000 rpm. This fact introduces much shorter strokes in racing engines that reduce inertia loads. Since pressures are higher for CRDIDs the combustion loads are similar. The techniques used to improve the TBO of Formula 1 spark ignition engine and racing watercraft diesel can then be directly applied to naval and aircraft engines where the low-cost requirements are not so stringent as in mass-produced automotive CRDIDs (millions of items). The same technology that prolongs the Formula 1 TBO from a single race to the whole season can then be successfully used in aircraft/naval CRDIDs. A quantitative assessment of the TBO increase is included in this paper for the various systems that compose a CRDID.