What is a Farnboro Engine Indicator and How is it Used?

  • Thread starter Thread starter monty37
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Engine
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the Farnborough engine indicator, its function, and its relevance in modern engine analysis. Participants explore the historical context of the device, its operational principles, and current alternatives in measuring engine performance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for clarification on what a Farnborough engine indicator is and its uses.
  • Another participant explains that it is an early mechanical device used to create an indicator diagram for internal combustion engines, plotting pressure against volume to measure work done by the gas.
  • A different participant expresses concern about the lack of detailed explanations regarding the principle and experimental setup of the Farnborough indicator, questioning its current relevance.
  • It is noted that modern practices favor electronic pressure transducers that provide faster and more accurate measurements correlated with crank angle for generating indicating diagrams.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance of the Farnborough indicator today, with some suggesting it may be obsolete in light of modern technology, while others focus on its historical significance.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of missing details regarding the operational principles and experimental setups of the Farnborough indicator, as well as the implications of transitioning to electronic methods for engine analysis.

monty37
Messages
225
Reaction score
1
what is a farnboro engine indicator and what is it used for?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
For an IC engine, an "indicator diagram" is a plot of pressure against volume in the cylinder over the engine cycle, which measures the work done by the gas.

The Farnborough indicator was an early mechanical device to measure this, before electronic pressure transducers etc were available.

Googling for "Farnborough Indicator" will find you more details (note the correct spelling).
 
I did find details but the principle ,experimental setup etc are not explained ,is this
indicator obsolete now ?
 
Everyone uses pressure transducers now, these are read at high speed and correlated against crank angle electronically to give an indicating diagram.
 

Similar threads

Piston pumps versus internal gear pumps for modern engines
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
842
Automotive Why Do BMW Engines Suffer from Rod Bearing Issues?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Why are gas turbine engines not used in cars? Is what I think correct?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Turbo vs naturally aspirated engine power band width around peak power
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Rankine vs. Stirling Engine
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Honda’s Turpentine Engine
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Do engineers working on high-tech applications make approximations?
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
How Can an Engineer Assist in Evaluating My Generator Design Idea?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Automotive Car/truck cooling vs. engine power value chart/table?
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
2K
What mathematics software should engineering students use?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K