DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINIAN AUTOMOTIVE SMALL-DISPLACEMENT DIESEL ENGINE: 30 YEARS OF EVOLUTION FROM MOTORCYCLE TO BUS ENGINE

Abstract

Introduction. Thirty years of experience represents a true treasure trove of knowledge for any subsector of mechanical engineering, including engine manufacturing. The modular series of small-displacement inline automotive diesel engines ranging from one to six cylinders, with the currently most popular displacement of 0.5 dm³ per cylinder, has been developed by the Kharkiv Design Bureau for Engine Manufacturing for 30 years, effectively laying the foundation for this design parameter. The past three decades have become a true forge of competencies for Ukraine’s diesel engine industry, which had never previously had experience in developing small-displacement automotive diesel engines for either commercial or specialized vehicles. Providing readers with answers to questions regarding the well-developed profile of domestic automotive diesel engines, the manufacturing of specific batches of various domestic engine brands, and conducting their testing as part of specific vehicles became the objective of the authors of this article. Objective. This article aims to systematize the experience gained over 30 years in designing a modular series of domestic automotive small-displacement diesel engines for knowledge transfer to the next generation of engineers. Results. It has been determined that the domestic automotive small-displacement diesel engines developed over 30 years and tested in four-wheeled motorcycles and automobiles have six different profiles: DT, DTN, DTA, DTNA, DTNA1, and DTNA2. However, DTNA1 profile diesels were identified as more promising for the future. Therefore, these engines were thoroughly and adequately developed, including during operation directly in their application objects. Particular attention was focused on the definitive testing of the 4DTNA1 automotive diesel engine as part of the RUTA-25d bus and official preliminary testing of the modernized MA33 vehicle, also equipped with the 4DTNA1 diesel engine. Conclusions. It has been determined that currently, the development of smalldisplacement domestic automotive diesel engines with the DTNA1 profile is most justified as a technological experience and competency development. The most promising niches for applying diesel engines of this profile brand are specialized equipment, military applications, and markets with less stringent environmental requirements, where simplicity and reliability are more important than maximum efficiency.