Modern Auto engine blocks

[enginesrus]

Does anyone have information on how engine block stresses and distortion measuring techniques have changed through the years? Are they even bench tested for such nowadays, or is it all strictly FEA?
I would like to see information about how well the different materials compared, yes I know structure and ribbing plays huge.

 

[GregLocock]

Engines were the first major system where FEA and reality converged fairly rapidly. I don't remember being asked to physically test an engine's modal characteristics much after 1985, we were still doing bodies in the 90s, and 2000s.

Cheers

Greg Locock


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[CWB1]

Everything including block & head structures are still validated in the lab as a CYA against large warranty claims. Generally by that point tho there is a high confidence in the success due to FEA. Materials tend to be very standardized across large organizations, and cost-benefit analysis usually drives choices. I have done a lot of casting design but wont claim to understand worldwide pricing.

 

[GregLocock]

A fun fact that came out of FEA was that for a given mass for the block, a thin wall with ribbing, which looks all hi tech, is less effective overall than the same mass of metal as a slightly thicker wall.

Cheers

Greg Locock


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