Finite element analysis of marine diesel engine components

The objective of this paper is to design a better marine power plant for the multipurpose vessel Abu 'Aegela and replace the existing MAN B and W two stroke engine with another engine that better suits operating requirements. Engine thermodynamics equations were solved using Engineering Equation Solver software (EES) which helped in reducing solving time and showed the effect of changing variables on other engine parameters. The dimensions of the main engine components were then calculated using machine design equations and the components were modeled with the previous dimensions using AutoDesk Inventor 3D software package which gives great flexibility to the design process and allows for easy changes in all design stages. Finite element analysis of the components was carried out in ANSYS program which highlighted areas of high stress concentration and showed failure probabilities. The results showed the influence of the engine loads on the different components and helped in correcting the weak points of the design which could cause severe problems in the unforgiving marine environment. © Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Egypt.