A capstone internship at the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC) UPLB on the comparison of small engine vibration behavior during testing

Date

2025

Adviser

Job Jonas C. Ruzgal

Principal

Mabel S. Buela

Abstract

The Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC), located at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, is responsible for the performance testing and evaluation of agricultural and fisheries machinery. According to AMTEC, engine vibration is hypothesized to be associated with engine degradation, performance loss, and test result alteration. Additionally, most literature related to vibration also suggests a physiological impact on the users of these engines. For these reasons, the researchers conducted an internship with AMTEC to compare the vibration behaviors of gasoline and diesel small engines during a varying load test procedure. During the internship, the researchers were introduced to the operations of each division of the testing center and were oriented on the procedure for the varying load test as prescribed by PAES 117:2000 (Agricultural Machinery – Small Engine – Methods of Test). Vibration data from the X, Y, and Z axes from two gasoline engines and two diesel engines were collected using a Vernier 3D-BTA triaxial accelerometer connected to a LabQuest 2 data logger. Vibration levels (ax , ay , az) were measured starting from the small engine’s rated max speed with readings taken at every decrement of 100 RPM. These were then processed into root mean square (RMS) values, followed by statistical comparisons using ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests between and within each set of diesel and gasoline engines. The results of the tests show that the vibration levels of the gasoline engines differ significantly at the Z axis, while the diesel engines differ significantly at the X and Z axes. Vibration levels between gasoline and diesel engines are also significantly different. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend conducting further research ventures that include a larger sample of small engines, utilizing reliable instrumentation, increasing testing intervals, and ensuring standardized testing conditions for improved data integrity and validity.

Language

English

Location

UP Rural High School

Notes

To access this capstone, please contact the UP Rural High School Library at uprhslibrary.uplb@up.edu.ph. You may also visit the library in person, provided you secure prior confirmation from the librarian. We will be happy to assist you.

Document Type

Capstone

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