Abstract: A fuel flow measuring apparatus comprises a fuel conditioning cabinet, a fuel supply delivered through a fuel supply line, a fuel measurement cabinet, a fuel transfer line to transfer fuel from the fuel conditioning cabinet to the fuel measurement cabinet, a fuel delivery line extending between the fuel measurement cabinet and the internal combustion engine and to deliver fuel thereto, a first fuel return loop extending from the fuel delivery line to the fuel measurement cabinet, a second fuel return loop extending between the fuel measurement cabinet and the fuel conditioning cabinet and an intermediate cooling system comprising an intermediate cooling tank containing an intermediate coolant, an intermediate coolant line in serial thermodynamic communication with the first fuel return loop and the second fuel return loop to thermally connect the fuel flowing through both of the fuel conditioning cabinet and the fuel measurement cabinet to define an isothermic fuel stability.

Abstract: A fuel flow measuring apparatus comprises a fuel conditioning cabinet, a fuel supply delivered through a fuel supply line, a fuel measurement cabinet, a fuel transfer line to transfer fuel from the fuel conditioning cabinet to the fuel measurement cabinet, a fuel delivery line extending between the fuel measurement cabinet and the internal combustion engine and to deliver fuel thereto, a first fuel return loop extending from the fuel delivery line to the fuel measurement cabinet, a second fuel return loop extending between the fuel measurement cabinet and the fuel conditioning cabinet and an intermediate cooling system comprising an intermediate cooling tank containing an intermediate coolant, an intermediate coolant line in serial thermodynamic communication with the first fuel return loop and the second fuel return loop to thermally connect the fuel flowing through both of the fuel conditioning cabinet and the fuel measurement cabinet to define an isothermic fuel stability.

Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a restriction determination module and a valve control module. The restriction determination module determines a desired exhaust back pressure of the engine based on an exhaust flow rate of the engine. The valve control module selectively adjusts a valve position of an exhaust valve that restricts an exhaust flow of the engine based on the desired exhaust back pressure. The exhaust valve may include a valve body, a throttle plate, and an annular protrusion coupled to an inner surface of the valve body and protruding towards the throttle plate. The annular protrusion may abut a side of the throttle plate and may restrict fluid flow through an annular space between the throttle plate and the inner surface when the throttle plate is positioned in a rotational position transverse to a direction of fluid flow. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a restriction determination module and a valve control module. The restriction determination module determines a desired exhaust back pressure of the engine based on an exhaust flow rate of the engine. The valve control module selectively adjusts a valve position of an exhaust valve that restricts an exhaust flow of the engine based on the desired exhaust back pressure. The exhaust valve may include a valve body, a throttle plate, and an annular protrusion coupled to an inner surface of the valve body and protruding towards the throttle plate. The annular protrusion may abut a side of the throttle plate and may restrict fluid flow through an annular space between the throttle plate and the inner surface when the throttle plate is positioned in a rotational position transverse to a direction of fluid flow. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An environmental test enclosure for modifying the temperature of a vehicle test property is presented. The enclosure includes a movable pallet assembly that is operable to deliver the test property to and from the property test site. The movable pallet assembly includes a base plate that is configured to attach to and support the test property thereon. A plurality of sidewalls project upward from the base plate to surround the test property. A flexible cover is mounted to the overhead structure of the test site, and configured to transition between an open position, in which the cover is in a raised and generally folded state, to a closed position, in which the cover is in a lowered state and attachable to the pallet assembly. The flexible cover cooperates with the movable pallet assembly when attached thereto to define an enclosed and substantially thermally insulated space around the test property.

Abstract: An environmental test enclosure for modifying the temperature of a vehicle test property is presented. The enclosure includes a movable pallet assembly that is operable to deliver the test property to and from the property test site. The movable pallet assembly includes a base plate that is configured to attach to and support the test property thereon. A plurality of sidewalls project upward from the base plate to surround the test property. A flexible cover is mounted to the overhead structure of the test site, and configured to transition between an open position, in which the cover is in a raised and generally folded state, to a closed position, in which the cover is in a lowered state and attachable to the pallet assembly. The flexible cover cooperates with the movable pallet assembly when attached thereto to define an enclosed and substantially thermally insulated space around the test property.

Abstract: A test rig is provided for dynamic or static testing of a vehicle powertrain apparatus during operation in varying attitudes. A specific embodiment includes inner and outer frames carried one inside the other on gimbal bearings and pivotable on longitudinal and transverse axes. The inner frame carries a cradle for mounting a dynometer connected to an engine, transmission or other apparatus to be tested by tilting the apparatus to simulate the effects of vehicle acceleration in various directions. The rig may be supported on individual stanchions mounted to a test bed floor plate in an engine test cell and supporting the bearings for the outer frame. The pivotable frames are powered by electric motors through reduction gear boxes sized and mounted to minimize mass and inertia of the rig and allow mounting in an engine test cell. Programmable controls permit dynamic rocking of an engine operating under power.