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The Indicated Power formula calculates the total power developed in the cylinders of a 4-stroke diesel engine by adding the Brake Power (output power at the shaft) and Friction Power (power lost to internal friction).
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula represents the fundamental relationship between the total power generated in the engine cylinders (indicated power), the useful power output (brake power), and the power lost to internal friction.
Details: Calculating indicated power is essential for engine performance analysis, efficiency calculations, and identifying mechanical losses within the engine system.
Tips: Enter both Brake Power and Friction Power values in Watts. Ensure all values are positive numbers representing valid power measurements.
Q1: What is the difference between indicated power and brake power?
A: Indicated power represents the total power developed in the cylinders, while brake power is the actual power available at the engine output shaft after accounting for friction losses.
Q2: How is friction power measured or estimated?
A: Friction power is typically determined through motoring tests where the engine is driven without fuel injection, or calculated as the difference between indicated power and brake power.
Q3: Why is this calculation important for engine analysis?
A: This calculation helps engineers understand the efficiency of an engine by quantifying how much power is lost to internal friction versus how much is available as useful output.
Q4: Can this formula be used for both diesel and gasoline engines?
A: While the basic principle applies to both engine types, specific calculations and coefficients may vary between diesel and gasoline engines.
Q5: What are typical units for these power measurements?
A: While Watts are used in this calculator, power is also commonly measured in horsepower (hp) or kilowatts (kW) in engineering applications.