Diesel Engines

NS180-8/99

Objectives
Basic operation, key components, and safety
considerations of diesel engines.
Advantages, disadvantages, and capabilities of
diesel engines.
Interrelationships of work, power, and
efficiency of diesel propulsion plants.
Features of the diesel engine fuel oil system and
how it provides fuel to the engine.

References
INE, Chapter 11, pp. 195-222
PNE, Chapter 17, pp. 17-1 - 17-44

USN Diesel Applications

Main propulsion (MPDEs)

Ship Service Electrical Power (SSDGs)
Shipboard Emergency Electrical Power
(EDGs)
Ship's boats
Amphibious landing craft

Basic Thermodynamic
Principles

Engine Structure
Stationary Parts

Engine frame
Cylinder block
Crankcase
Oil sump
Cylinder assembly, liner and heads

Engine Structure
Moving Parts

Piston (crown and skirt)

Piston rings
Piston pin
Connecting rod
Crankshaft and main bearings

Engine Structure
Moving Parts

Flywheel
Camshaft and cams
Lifters, pushrods and rocker arms
Intake and exhaust valves
Injectors
Accessory drive mechanism

Concepts

Stroke
Top dead center (TDC)
Bottom dead center (BDC)

Four-Stroke
Diesel Engine

Intake
Compression
Power
Exhaust

Two-Stroke
Diesel Engine
Intake
Blower/Supercharger
Scavenging (discuss port/valve/uniflow)

Compression
Power
Exhaust - Scavenging

Relative Strengths and

Weaknesses

Auxiliary Systems

Fuel oil system

Lube oil system
Air systems
Ignition systems

Diesel Engine Cooling

Systems.
Freshwater
Seawater

Propulsion Drive
Mechanisms.
Indirect drive
Reduction gear
Reverse gear
Clutch/Coupling

Direct drive
No reduction gear
No reversing gear

Safety Precautions

Fuel flammability
Noise
During maintenance procedures

Summary