Laser vibrometers help F1 engines rev higher

Polytec's HSV-series laser vibrometers are being used by F1 and Nascar engine manufacturers to characterise and improve the valve performance of engines.

Polytec's HSV-series laser vibrometers are being used by F1 and Nascar engine manufacturers to characterise and improve the valve performance of engines, to obtain more power and better reliability at higher engine speeds.

Polytec is the leading manufacturer of noncontact laser vibrometers, providing systems for many different uses including computer data drives, production line QA, hearing research and automotive applications.

The latter includes the testing of engine valve dynamics in performance and other engines.

The Polytec HSV-2002 vibrometer was developed specifically for testing valve dynamics in high-speed engines, providing motion data throughout their whole operation cycle.

These data are vital for the development engineer who needs to understand and quantify the motion of the valve relative to the cam profile, using it to help improve the performance of the engine.

This information is essential at the higher speeds (typically above 18,000rev/min) of F1 and Nascar engines, but is increasingly important for slower revving diesel and other IC engines, for optimising efficiency and fuel economy.

The HSV-2002 uses two low-power, visible, eye-safe (class 2) laser beams, delivered via compact, IP64 sealed and ruggedised optical heads, fibre-optic linked to the remote laser units and controller.

The setup is particularly easy and noncritical in use.

Unlike triangulation based and other proximity type displacement sensors, positioning and alignment are non-critical, with measurements being made via line-of-sight targeting, typically at around 0.5m standoff distance.

Alignment rails with beam-steering optics are available for difficult-to-access targets.

The HSV-2002 provides direct displacement and velocity information about the valve and the cylinder head, as well as differential valve versus head data.

Features such as excessive valve lift, inaccurate following of the cam profile, valve bounce at closure and stem resonance are all easily identified and measured.

If the lasers are focused at the centre and edge of a valve, "dishing" or flexure of the valve head relative to the stem can also be measured.

Any of the above faults can result in excessive valve seat erosion and wear, or even premature failure of the valve.

A product datasheet and specific application notes on using the HSV-2002 for engine valve dynamics measurement are available on request.

All Polytec vibrometer systems are fully supported by an experienced network of engineers who provide full technical and service support.

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