Discovering the Power of Perkins Simulating engine performance using fluid dynamics and clever software

Engine efficiency and optimised performance start with simulation and fluid dynamics, enabled by clever software. 

And, of course, you need people like Graham Hill, a Structural Engineer and his team of specialist engineering colleagues at Perkins Engines. So, for the latest episode in our 'Discovering the Power of Perkins' series, Peter Haddock delved into the exciting world of engine simulation with Graham.  

Graham: "Before we even start to think about making a new engine, we first simulate how the design will work, and a key part of this is fluid dynamics. So, we model everything in our own proprietary software solution. We even consider how an engine would perform in extreme heat or cold. 

"People often talk about the engine being the heart of the machine, but we, as engineers, talk about the crankshaft being the heart of the heart. As this is a critical component, getting its dimensions right is a key focus for our team. If you get this right, you have built in the degree of robustness and efficiency you need to deliver a great engine. 

"This is now more important than ever as we reduce the size of engines whilst increasing their power density, and this is why the crankshaft has to get stronger, which can, in turn, mean you're generating more drag on the bearings. 

"So we are constantly aiming to get the balance right between having a strong, robust crankshaft with the right bearings so you're not wasting fuel, just turning them. And, of course, once we get this right, you then move on to how the crankshaft and bearings interact with all the other components. 

"Here, we also work with our supply chain to develop the right component sizes and robustness. So it's a very complicated process that now takes place as a simulation first so we can get more of the design work done before we go into the prototype phase. 

"We even use simulation to support our customers with optimising our engines for their specific equipment needs."

Peter added: “We often talk about AI in terms of the future, but after meeting Graham, I think that with engines, a lot of PI (Perkins Intelligence) already goes into making them. 

Looking at how this type of software-led simulation has changed the design of engines, advanced powertrains and battery solutions, you can now understand the power unlocked through clever design. 

Of course, this is just the start of the process, as prototypes are then created by Graham's colleagues at the Europe Research and Design Centre in Peterborough. 

Here, they have testing cells with lots of sensors to monitor performance, as well as a noise and cold chamber and an emissions testing lab. 

All of which you can see in other episodes of my series by going to our dedicated Perkins Engines page on our Content For Industry website at this link - https://www.contentforindustry.com/organisation?organisation=perkins-engines