Restoration and Testing of the Hydra Research‐Engine

Abstract

This thesis has aimed to be a driving factor in the restoration process of the Hydra research engine. During the semester, several changes and improvements has been done to restore the engine to its former glory. These changes and the overall state of the engine is covered in detail. The thesis is concluded with an experimental study of the engine, where daily operation and experimental stability was in focus.

Regrettably these studies needed to be shortened due to an injector failure and a bad pressure transducer. It was found that the engine performs in a stabile way at engine speeds between 20 and 50 RPS, from 50 to 75 RPS flow restrictions in the exhaust system causes the volumetric efficiency to drop to unacceptable levels. If the injector and the pressure transducer is exchanged the engine will be operational in the range 20 to 50 RPS. If the exhaust system is improved the engine will ascertain its original operating range. The engine was found to have a very stable engine speed and common rail pressure.