Practical identification of non-linear characteristics of elastomeric couplings in engine assemblies

In many engineering applications, the connection between a combustion engine and the load is often done using elastomeric materials. However, these couplings far from behaving in a linear way, show a complex behavior that sometimes is difficult to evaluate. In this sense, with the present work it is intended to develop an easy methodology to identify the coupling characteristics to validate dynamic models of engine assemblies with this kind of connections, as well as to identify possible malfunction or damage behavior in a future. The method is based on static and dynamic tests, non-linear models and techniques for parameter identification. The process has been applied using two different couplings, mounted on a single-cylinder diesel engine (DE) and a three-cylinder spark ignition engine (SIE). Results demonstrate the validity of the method for any kind of engine (DE or SIE) and number of cylinders. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.