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The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) engine design section strives for a balanced combination of real-world experience and theoretical design. Using advanced design and analysis tools, engineers determine optimum engine parameters, including:

• Intake and exhaust system layout

• Piping length and diameter

• Plenum volume

• Cam profile

• Valve sizes

• Compression ratio

• Bearings

Institute engineers use advanced computational fluid dynamic techniques to model and simulate the action of numerous gases and liquids in engine-related components and systems, including:

• Combustion chambers

• Fuel injection systems

• Fuel mixing

• Intake and exhaust ports

• Engine block and cylinder cooling

SwRI conducts finite element analysis of all major engine assemblies and components such as:

• Cylinder heads

• Engine blocks

• Pistons

• Connecting rods

• Crankshafts

• Valve trains

• Fuel system components

To better serve our motorcycle and small engine clients, SwRI has formed a strategic alliance with Powertrain Technology Limited (PTL) for motorcycle engine design services. SwRI will be even more effective in designing and developing your new motorcycle powertrain. The staff excels in powertrain development for many reasons, including:

• Technology transfer – SwRI performs motorcycle powertrain design and development projects with the cooperation and support of our client's staff. This capability allows the client to provide constant input and direction to the project while also allowing their engineers to gain necessary knowledge of the design and development process.

• Intellectual property – As part of a long-held tradition, patent rights arising from sponsored research at the Institute are often assigned to the client. SwRI generally retains the rights to Institute-funded advancements.

• Location – SwRI is based in the continental United States and provides complete engineering and design services for motorcycle powertrain projects at the level and quality required for mass production motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and small engines.

• Capabilities – A complement of services, including motorcycle engine and transmission design, motorcycle control system development, engine and powertrain testing, electromagnetic compatibility; noise, vibration, and harshness; and more, is provided by a single team.

• Experience – Our motorcycle engineering and design staff expertise also includescomplete motorcycle engine and transmission design and development programs, and we are also experienced with the motorcycle and small engine industry.

Our dedicated team of motorcycle enthusiasts in the SwRI Engine Design Department can help you achieve all your goals and create a superior product. SwRI and PTL can assist your company with:

Motorcycle Engine Design

• Full 3-D solids

• Concept to production, full 3-D solids

• Quality assurance and documentation systems

Motorcycle Engine Analysis

• Comprehensive capability

• In-house and proprietary software

Motorcycle Engine Parts/Sourcing

• Prototype sourcing

• Global supplier selection

• BoM/cost control

Motorcycle Engine Development

• Comprehensive test facilities

• Engines and transmissions

• Liaison with suppliers

Final Product Engineering

• Cost reduction

• FMEAs

• Technology transfer with onsite client engineers

Flow Bench Facilities

Intake port performance has significant influence on engine power output, fuel economy, and exhaust emissions. Flow testing of intake ports is an integral part of total engine design and optimization. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) maintains a flow bench facility with a flow capacity of 1000 SCFM at 20 in. water differential pressure that is dedicated to port flow measurement and characterization.

Measurement of in-cylinder air motion is becoming increasingly important due to exhaust emissions and engine efficiency considerations. SwRI is the industry leader in measuring swirl, tumble, and combined air motion. The Institute's state-of-the-art design impulse swirl meters provide more accurate and repeatable measurements than other types of swirl meters.

Air motion for many sizes and types of engines is characterized on the SwRI flow bench facility. New cylinder head designs are compared to a large database of production and prototype heads.
 

Intake ports are parametrically designed using the latest solid modeling techniques. Intake ports are designed to provide the optimum balance between airflow and desired in-cylinder air motion characteristics. Parametric models of the ports are created based on fundamental engineering principles and years of port design experience.

Rapid Prototyping

Southwest Research Institute offers rapid prototyping services using ABS plastic, nylon, stainless steel, titanium, and other various metals. SwRI engineers utilize a solid imaging system called the SinterStation, which creates completely machinable plastic or metal parts directly from a 3D CAD file. SwRI also uses various methods of rapid prototyped patterns for “rapid casting” of various engine components to reduce development time. All that is needed is a 3D model converted into an .stl file (most CAD programs are capable of converting or exporting to STL, SLA, or RP). SwRI can also convert 2D drawings into 3D models, or a .prt file can be sent from PRO/E or SOLIDWORKS.

SwRI has experience with rapid prototyping many engine- and vehicle-related components, including:

• Intake manifolds

• Cylinder heads (2 and 4 stroke)

• Flowboxes to evaluate cylinder head port designs

• Brackets

• Crank case assemblies

• Connecting rods

For more information, visit enginedesign.swri.org.

At SwRI, we are always striving to offer the best services possible to all of our clients. For a more comprehensive review of our motorcycle technology capabilities, please e-mail Charles Roberts, Ph.D., or call (210) 522-5521 to arrange a tour of our complete facilities.
 

| Engine and Vehicle R&D | Engine, Emissions & Vehicle Research Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

March 25, 2008