Car Ultrasound Could Save Fuel.

 When one hears the word "ultrasound" the last thing that comes to mind is auto maintenance. But if the researchers at the University of Sheffield's Department of Mechanical Engineering have their way, it will be one of the best methods of finding out just how energy efficient a car engine really is.

Their technique provides key details about the pistons, which are housed in sealed chambers. Pistons are at the heart of a combustion engineand are responsible for the spark that produces the power that's transmitted to the crank shaft and ultimately the wheels. Understanding how the oil works inside this sealed chamber is important for improving a car's fuel efficiency. For example, adding too much oil can be wasteful and it can get burnt in the engine, increasing emissions. Not enough oil will wear the metal engine parts.  

Usually, engineers use computer models to estimate efficiency. But mechanical engineering professor, Rob Dwyer-Joyce, thought ultrasound might provide a better picture. He attached sensors to the outside of the cylinder wall and then used an ultrasound machine to transmit pulses into the sealed cylinder. The sound waves bounced back to the sensors and Dwyer-Joyce was able to measure and record what's going on with the oil inside.

In a press release, Dywer-Joyce said, "Our method will allow engine manufacturers to adjust lubrication levels with confidence and ensure they are using the optimum level for any particular engine, rather than over-lubricating to ensure engine safety."
Dywer also pointed out that this method isn't only good for vehicle energy efficiency measurement, it could also be used on the larger engines that deep water marine vessels use. The research team is currently seeking industrial partners to make this into a commercial product.