A low-cost and effective automobile engine fault diagnosis using instantaneous angular velocity evaluation

Automobile component malfunctions are typical causes of many on-road accidents. Proper fault diagnosis conducted on automobile engines helps to prevent accidents by providing early warnings. The instantaneous angular speed (IAS) method, which uses low-cost sensors, has proved useful in diagnosing combustion-related faults in engines. In this paper, we evaluated various types of faults that occur in engines using the IAS method. The method clearly reveals the differences between normal and anomalous temporal waveforms generated during the engine combustion process. The results show that the IAS method is capable of generating quality fault diagnostic results that are comparable with those obtained using expensive and conventional pressure sensors mounted on engines. This method could help prevent catastrophic accidents and minimise the improper consumption of expensive fuel. © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.