Mechanical · Automotive (Powertrain)
Engine Performance Analysis & Optimization
Intermediate 5 weeks 35-60 hours
Instrument a small engine (or motor as proxy): measure RPM, temperature, and current/torque under load. Build performance curves and analyze efficiency at different operating points.
Major
Mechanical
Focus area
Automotive (Powertrain)
Total hours
35-60 hours
What you'll need
- infrared IR optical tachometer RPM speed sensor module
- DS18B20 waterproof digital temperature sensor probe pack
- load cell 5kg with HX711 amplifier weight sensor kit
- Arduino Mega 2560 R3 microcontroller board
- DC gear motor 12V for Arduino
- microSD card data logging module for Arduino
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Steps
- Mount the motor on a test stand with the load cell set up to measure torque.
- Add the tachometer and temperature probes and wire everything to the Arduino.
- Program the Arduino to log RPM, torque, and temperature to the SD card.
- Run the motor at several load levels and record steady-state data.
- Build torque, power, and efficiency curves.
- Identify the best operating point and document the results for your portfolio.
What to photograph for your portfolio
- Test setup
- RPM/torque curves
- temperature logs
- efficiency map
Resume bullet starters
Copy one, then swap in your own numbers.
Engineered an engine performance analysis & optimization using Engine fundamentals, sensors, performance measurement
Applied data analysis to implement, test, and validate the analysis end-to-end
Skills you'll show off
Engine fundamentalssensorsperformance measurementdata analysis