The Forces in Reciprocating Engines - Vibrano X - 12 apparatus investigates oscillating and rotating mass forces on a four cylinder model engine. It features a DC motor driven crankshaft with speed range 100~3000rpm, load cell cantilever mounting, and adjustable piston masses. This Forces in Reciprocating Engines model supports 4, 2, and 1 cylinder configurations with crank angle adjustment at 0, 90, 180 and 270°. Transparent safety covers and a nominal power output of 80W complete the anti-vibration mounted design.

Forces in Reciprocating Engines - Vibrano X - 12, Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Motor Speed | 100~3000rpm |
| Nominal Power Output | 80W |
| Base | Anti-vibration mounted base |
| Mounting | Model engine mounted on load cell cantilever |
| Guarding | Cylinder block fitted with transparent front wall as guard for moving parts |
Technical Data
Engine
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| No of cylinders | 4 |
| Mass of piston | 40g, Additional mass: 41g |
Crank Drive
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Mass of connecting rod | 18g |
| Centre distance of cylinders | 35mm |
| Crank radius | 15mm |
| Length of connecting rod | 70mm |
Measuring Ranges
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Speed | 100~300rpm |
| Force | 0~500N |
Key Features
Experiments
Construction and Design
The Forces in Reciprocating Engines - Vibrano X - 12 model is constructed around a four cylinder engine held on a cantilever and sturdy base. The cantilever is mounted on a vertical pillar. The engine includes a crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, and non-metallic cylinder liners, which eliminate the need for lubrication. Different cylinder arrangements can be achieved between 4, 2, and 1 cylinders.
The cantilever carries a number of strain gauges functioning as a load cell to measure combined bending and torsion applied during engine running, enabling calculation of forces, torques, and moments. A DC motor drives the crankshaft at speeds between 100 and 3000rpm, controlled electronically using a precision frequency generator with digital display.
Each piston can have its mass adjusted by adding or removing weights, which are securely fixed during engine running. Crank angle can be individually adjusted using angular graduations at 0, 90, 180, and 270°. All rotating elements are enclosed behind transparent safety covers, providing protection while maintaining visibility of the experiment. This Forces in Reciprocating Engines apparatus mounts the model engine on a load cell cantilever with an anti-vibration base.
Scope of Delivery
Q: What does the Forces in Reciprocating Engines - Vibrano X - 12 apparatus investigate?
A: It investigates oscillating and rotating masses on a four cylinder model engine, including mass forces, torques, and moments across different crank arrangements.
Q: What cylinder configurations are possible?
A: The apparatus supports 4, 2, and 1 cylinder arrangements, including four cylinder symmetrical and non-symmetrical configurations, and two cylinder with 180° crank offset.
Q: What is the motor speed range?
A: The DC motor drives the crankshaft between 100 and 3000rpm, electronically controlled using a precision frequency generator with digital display.
Q: How is piston mass adjusted?
A: Piston mass is adjusted by adding or removing weights, which are securely fixed during engine running. The base piston mass is 40g with an additional mass of 41g.
Q: How are users protected from moving parts during operation?
A: All rotating elements are stored behind transparent safety covers, and the cylinder block is fitted with a transparent front wall as a guard, allowing full protection while maintaining visibility of the experiment.