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Race Engine Calibration for Optimal Performance     

Open Enrollment		e-Seminar		On-site Delivery

I.D.# C0602

Printable Description

Duration: 1 Day

The engine control module (ECM, or on-board computer) is the tool used to control the fuel injection rate, fuel injection timing, ignition timing, rate of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and other functions. The task of "programming" the ECM is much easier for a race engine than for a production engine because the calibration engineer does not need to be concerned about emissions: EGR, keeping the exhaust catalyst "happy", etc.

This course provides a practical introduction to ECMs, including the uses for the various sensors. It also covers the specific methods used to incorporate the various sensor signals into the ECM's control systems for the fuel injection rate, fuel injection timing, and ignition timing. Background information will include an understanding of the desired air/fuel ratio and optimum ignition timing. While examples are tailored around the application of the ECM to Formula SAE race engines, this course is useful for improving any engineer's understanding of the functions of the ECM for other types of race engines as well as production engines.

Learning Objectives
By attending this seminar, you will be able to:

• Describe the functions of the crank position sensor, cam position sensor, intake air temperature sensor, manifold air pressure sensor, mass air flow sensor, exhaust "oxygen" or lambda sensor, throttle position sensor, engine coolant temperature sensor, and knock sensor
• Explain how the ECM controls the fuel injection rate, fuel injection timing, and ignition timing
• Interpret base look-up tables, multipliers, and adders
• Develop base look-up tables, multipliers, and adders

Who Should Attend
Anyone interested in engine calibration/programming the on-board computer, especially for race engines. At a minimum, classification as at least a junior in a curriculum leading to a BS degree in engineering or experience in engine development is necessary background for taking this course.

Online Bonus Segments
Attendees will have the opportunity to access online bonus segments after the seminar. Segments will contain presentations by representatives of Ricardo and Performance Electronics, Ltd.

Topical Outline

• Basic engine theory
  • Relationships between torque, brake specific fuel consumption, engine design parameters, engine operating conditions, and four fundamental efficiencies (volumetric, combustion, indicated thermal, and mechanical)
  • Effects of fuel/air equivalence ratio
  • Effects of load
  • Effects of engine speed
  • MBT and LBT
  • Goals for race engines
  • Goals for production engines
  • Correction factors
• Engine sensors--the need for and use of:
  • Crank position sensor
  • Cam position sensor
  • Intake air temperature sensor
  • Manifold air pressure sensor
  • Mass air flow sensor (if used)
  • Exhaust "oxygen" or lambda sensor
  • Throttle position sensor
  • Engine coolant temperature sensor
  • Knock sensor
• Air/fuel ratio control
  • Base pulse width look-up table for speed-density systems
  • Benefits of MAF systems
  • Multipliers
• Ignition timing control
  • Base ignition timing look-up table
  • Adders

Instructor(s): Ronald D. Matthews
Professor Ron Matthews, currently serving as a member of the SAE International Board of Directors, is Head of the General Motors Foundation Engines Research Laboratory on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. He has been actively involved in engines research for 35 years, including engine control systems since the initial introduction of on-board computers. Mr. Matthews, a Fellow of SAE International, founded the Formula SAE competition in 1981 and has been the Faculty Advisor for a Formula SAE team each year since. He has been author or co-author on over 200 technical papers and reports, mostly in the field of engines.

Fees: $725 ; SAE Members: $635

.7 CEUs

Testimonial
"This is a great class that teaches the basics of optimizing engine performance."
Jeff Niswander
Mechanical Engineer
NIU Motorsports

"This seminar was very useful in increasing my knowledge in regards to modern F.I."
Glenn Feiste
Education Manager
Nascar Technical Institute

"A great start for race car tuning engineers or production engine engineers."
Craig Pike
Sr. Project Engineer
Nissan Technical Center North America

"The dynamics of the program and the competence of the presentation were a tribute to the core values of SAE and the engineering community commitment."
Rodger Marx
Principal Advisor Fuel Management
Rio Tinto

"Excellent instructor and study material."
Robert Steeneck
Engine Calibration Engineer (Retired)
Ford Motor Co. Truck Engine Engineering

Also available as an SAe-Learning program delivered online and on CD-ROMs! Race Engine Calibration for Optimal Performance e-Seminar

For additional information, contact SAE Customer Service at 1-877-606-7323 (724/776-4970 outside the U.S. and Canada) or at CustomerService@sae.org.

For a quote on bringing this course to your company site, fill out a Corporate Learning Solutions Request Form

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