Paper 4: Critical Factors in the Application of Diesel Engines to Rail Traction

Abstract

The authors consider that the operation of diesel engines for rail traction is arduous because of the ‘on-off’ operation of the engine duty cycle in service, and hence thermal cycling is more severe than that in other applications. The joint paper discusses the limitations of the cooling systems, the turbo-blower and its lubrication, and the arrangements made to ensure that fuel input is related to turbo-blower speed during acceleration of the engine. The silencing of diesel engines is of additional importance from the exhaust noise aspect and from the mechanical noise of the engine itself. The rating of diesel engines is discussed briefly, as are overhaul life, ease of maintenance, and reliability.