Internal combustion engine testing and development

We provide a comprehensive engine testing capability including:

• Test development facilities for products ranging from 5cc model aero engines to multi megawatt power generation units
• Regenerative AC motoring facilities for highly transient response and vehicle simulation
• Engine durability, demonstrating and improving reliability and reducing warranty risk – 24/7 availability typically provides 130 to 140 hours testing per week dependent on the robustness of the engine build level and service requirements
• Base engine testing - understanding the mechanical performance to improve efficiency and develop and evaluate new solutions
• Performance and emissions testing - enhancing performance and improving fuel economy while achieving the desired emissions compliance
• Extensive and detailed instrumentation capability with climatic cells and chiller units for thermal shocking, tilting cells for oil circuit development and programmable systems for automated testing
• Specialist precision micro instrumentation for in-depth studies in inaccessible locations
• Automated test systems using advanced optimization techniques such as design of experiments, automated mapping and vehicle calibration on test bed for improved data quality and reduced development times
• Advanced techniques for benchmarking of production engines with closed ECUs
• Failure mode analysis
• Validating and homologating new products
• Developing the NVH signature and brand image
• Benchmarking studies of competitor products

Ricardo is historically an ICE engines company and testing of internal combustion engines is a core capability. We use customisable test rigs for power unit and driveline system testing covering small to large propulsion systems at our state-of-the-art testing and development facilities.

Our ICE testing services are offered across all market sectors. We have supported an impressive range of OEM and Tier 1 clients. We work with customers with a wide variety of vehicle and energy platforms.

We support in the development of passenger vehicle and personal transportation, to large engine applications for marine and off-highway, to high-performance and motorsport applications.