The Faculty of Mechanical and Power Engineering at Wrocław University of Technology has a new test bed for students to use during classes and for scientists to conduct research on. It was built by faculty members in cooperation with Jacek Szczepaniak, a multiple Polish champion in remote-controlled aircraft competition.
The test stand for low-power aeronautical piston engines (dynamometer) is a metal structure on which an engine with a propeller is mounted. The rotating propeller generates thrust. The performance of the propulsion system is continuously monitored (e.g. with strain gauges and other sensors) and the data is recorded on a computer in real time.
With the dynamometer, students will learn techniques for testing reciprocating engines and creating energy balances. The bench can also be used for research in the context of operation and optimisation, the composition of fuel mixtures, the use of synthetic fuels and the reduction of emissions by secondary methods.
