Thermodynamic

s Lab-1
Aadarsh Patil
21MCE1001
 Index
⮚ Prony Brake Dynamometer.
(BP)
⮚ Motoring test . (FP)
⮚ Willan’s line method . (FP)
⮚ Morse Test. (IP)
⮚ Indicator Diagram. (IP)
 Prony Brake Dynamometer
◈ A Prony brake dynamometer is a mechanical device used to
measure the Breaking Power (BP) through the means of
measurement of torque and rotational speed .
◈ A Prony brake dynamometer works by squeezing the
engine's spinning shaft between brake blocks. This creates
resistance, slowing the engine down. A lever connected to the
brake measures the force applied. By knowing this force and
how fast the engine is turning, we can figure out how strong
the engine is (power).
◈ A Prony brake has two wooden blocks around the engine
shaft, squeezed by a clamp. A lever with weights applies
Prony Brake Power setup pressure on one block. The engine's speed is measured with a
tachometer.
Brake Power
◈ Represents the actual power output of an engine or motor,
measured at the engine’s crankshaft or output shaft.
◈ The term ‘brake’ in brake power originates from historical
testing methods.
◈ Takes into account all the mechanical losses within the
engine, such as the friction, colling losses within the
engine, such as friction, cooling losses and other
inefficiencies.
◈ Dynamometers are used to measure brake power.
Components
◈ Brake Drum: A rotating drum that’s connected to the
engine’s output shaft. The engine’s power output turns
the drum.
◈ Brake Shoe: A set of brake shoes press against the
rotating drum, creating friction and resisting the
drum’s motion.
◈ Load Adjustment: It allows the operator to adjust the
amount of braking force applied to the drum, creating
friction and resisting the drum’s motion.
◈ Measuring Instruments: Instruments like pressure
gauges , thermometers, and tachometers monitor the
various parameters during testing.
 Working principle of prony brake dynamometer :
◈ Operation: -
The engine or motor under test drives the rotor of the Prony brake. - As the rotor rotates, frictional
forces between the rotor and the brake shoes generate heat and resist the rotation of the rotor.
◈ Measuring Force: -
The force required to prevent the rotor from turning is measured using the load measuring device (e.g.,
spring balance). - This force is usually measured in pounds or Newtons.
◈ Calculating Power: -
The brake horsepower (BHP) of the engine or motor is calculated using the following formula:
BHP = (2πNT) / 33000
Where: - BHP is the brake horsepower.
- N is the rotational speed of the engine or motor in RPM.
- - T is the torque applied to the Prony brake in pound-feet.
Real life image of of prony brake
dynamometer:
 Motoring Test
o The Motoring test refers to a specific procedure used to check the
mechanical condition and basic functionality of an internal
combustion engine without using external fuel combustion.
o In the motoring test, the engine is connected to the electric motor and
the engine is run at constant speed using the motor. The power
required to drive the engine is given by the power consumed by the
motor. The power is consumed by the motor in overcoming the
friction of the engine moving parts.
o This is specifically used for measuring the Frictional Power as there
is no indicated power when we cut the fuel supply.
o Motoring test can be generally classified into two types ;
o Online Dynamic testing.
o Offline dynamic testing.

a)Running condition b)Static condition

 Willian's Line Method
◈ Willan's line method is also known as the fuel rate extrapolation method.
◈ This method is applicable for both petrol cycle and diesel cycle , but is more often used for
diesel cycle (due to losses in petrol cycle).
◈ Willian's line method is used to find the friction power of the engine. In willian's line method,
we plot the graph of specific fuel consumption to the torque(brake). we then extrapolate the
graph(which is partially a straight line) to zero specific fuel consumption and note down the
torque which gives us the approximate value of friction power.
◈ The method is applicable at a particular speed, as the frictional losses vary with engine speed.
Therefore, the BP and IP values used for plotting the graph should be obtained at the same
engine speed.
Willian’s Line Method Graph
 Morse Test
◈ Morse test is used to find the Indicated Power of Multi
– Stage Cylinder Diesel Engine. (without using
indicator diagram).
◈ The assumption made on the test is that frictional
power is depends on the speed and not upon the load on
the engine .
◈ It consists of running the engine against a dynamometer
at a particular speed, cutting out the firing of each
cylinder in turn and noting the fall in BP each time
while maintaining the speed constant.
A simple 4-stage
Cylinder
Indicator Diagram
◈ An indicator diagram is a graph that shows how the
pressure inside an engine's cylinder changes as the piston
moves through its cycles. It helps us understand how the
engine is working and how efficiently it's converting fuel
into power.
◈ An indicator instrument is used to obtain indicator
diagram.
◈ The Planimeter is used to measure the area under the
diagram.
 Measuring force and calculating power:
◈
 Types of Indicator diagram

Power Card
Draw Card

Light Spring Diagram

Compression Diagram
Thank You !!!