Abstract
Although the complete fuel injection system is a critical feature for the reliable operation of all diesel engines, various applications place a different emphasis on service requirements; particularly with respect to nozzle and injector life. This paper deals with a number of rail traction problems which have arisen in the field where improvements in nozzle/injector life have been needed for both technical and economic requirements. One specific problem—that of injector spring failure—is covered in more detail. A study of spring dynamic behaviour has been made which shows that normal spring ‘surge’ theory does not adequately explain spring failure. A simple expression is derived indicating that injector spring dynamic stresses are independent of spring design parameters and are a function of nozzle needle velocity only.
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