A method of diagnosing a PCJ solenoid valve includes determining whether a predetermined diagnostic condition is satisfied; performing diagnostic spraying by controlling the PCJ solenoid valve to cause the PCJ to spray oil for a predetermined diagnostic spraying time when the controller concludes that the predetermined diagnostic condition is satisfied; and diagnosing a failure of the PCJ solenoid valve by use of changes of oil pressure introduced to the PCJ or of PWM duty that controls an oil pump configured for pumping oil supplied to the PCJ after the diagnostic spraying from the PCJ.

A method of diagnosing a PCJ solenoid valve includes determining whether a predetermined diagnostic condition is satisfied; performing diagnostic spraying by controlling the PCJ solenoid valve to cause the PCJ to spray oil for a predetermined diagnostic spraying time when the controller concludes that the predetermined diagnostic condition is satisfied; and diagnosing a failure of the PCJ solenoid valve by use of changes of oil pressure introduced to the PCJ or of PWM duty that controls an oil pump configured for pumping oil supplied to the PCJ after the diagnostic spraying from the PCJ.

An internal combustion engine for neutron diffraction analysis is provided. The engine includes an elongated piston chamber formed from an aluminum alloy to ensure maximum neutron visibility into the combustion chamber. An elongated piston assembly reciprocates within the elongated piston chamber, the piston assembly including an upper piston joined to a lower piston. The upper piston and the lower piston are hollow, thereby reducing the reciprocating mass and increasing neutron access to the combustion chamber. The upper piston is lubricated with a neutron-transparent fluorocarbon lubricant such as perfluoropolyether (PFPE), while the lower piston and the crankcase are lubricated with hydrocarbon lubricant. The engine enables 3D and time-resolved measurements of strain, stress, and temperature, as well as phase transformation, texture, and microstructure.

An internal combustion engine for neutron diffraction analysis is provided. The engine includes an elongated piston chamber formed from an aluminum alloy to ensure maximum neutron visibility into the combustion chamber. An elongated piston assembly reciprocates within the elongated piston chamber, the piston assembly including an upper piston joined to a lower piston. The upper piston and the lower piston are hollow, thereby reducing the reciprocating mass and increasing neutron access to the combustion chamber. The upper piston is lubricated with a neutron-transparent fluorocarbon lubricant such as perfluoropolyether (PFPE), while the lower piston and the crankcase are lubricated with hydrocarbon lubricant. The engine enables 3D and time-resolved measurements of strain, stress, and temperature, as well as phase transformation, texture, and microstructure.

An oil-spray tube assembly includes a tube having an outer circumferential surface, an inner circumferential surface defining a hollow center, a closed distal end, an open proximal end defining an axially recessed annular seat, and an orifice extending between the inner and outer surfaces. A poppet valve has a radially extending flange and is received in the hollow center with the flange disposed on the annular seat. The valve defines an inlet, a cylindrical valve chamber in fluid communication with the inlet, an outlet exiting the valve chamber, and a valve seat between the inlet and the outlet. A ball is disposed within the valve chamber and is movable between a closed position in which the ball is seated on the valve seat to sever fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet and an open position in which the ball is spaced from the valve seat to place the inlet and outlet in fluid communication.

An oil-spray tube assembly includes a tube having an outer circumferential surface, an inner circumferential surface defining a hollow center, a closed distal end, an open proximal end defining an axially recessed annular seat, and an orifice extending between the inner and outer surfaces. A poppet valve has a radially extending flange and is received in the hollow center with the flange disposed on the annular seat. The valve defines an inlet, a cylindrical valve chamber in fluid communication with the inlet, an outlet exiting the valve chamber, and a valve seat between the inlet and the outlet. A ball is disposed within the valve chamber and is movable between a closed position in which the ball is seated on the valve seat to sever fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet and an open position in which the ball is spaced from the valve seat to place the inlet and outlet in fluid communication.

Pistons and piston assemblies for an internal combustion engine is provided. The piston assembly includes a piston coupled to a connecting rod with a piston pin. The piston pin includes a non-circular outer cross-sectional shape.

Pistons and piston assemblies for an internal combustion engine is provided. The piston assembly includes a piston coupled to a connecting rod with a piston pin. The piston pin includes a non-circular outer cross-sectional shape.

An engine unit includes a cylinder, a crankshaft, a crankcase, a generator, a sensor, and a coolant passage. The crankshaft is connected to a piston in the cylinder. The crankcase accommodates the crankshaft therein. The generator includes a rotor that rotates together with the crankshaft and a stator facing the rotor. The generator generates electric power by rotation of the rotor. The sensor detects a rotation position of the rotor. The coolant passage includes an ejection port, guides a coolant to the ejection port, and ejects the coolant from the ejection port toward the sensor.

A spray nozzle comprising: a body comprising a duct, a seat arranged at the first end, and including an opening forming an inlet, a guide comprising a tubular jacket and a retaining member, the retaining member retaining the jacket in the duct, a plug mounted to slide axially in the channel of the jacket, the plug being pushed back against the opening by a spring, and in abutment against the bottom of the jacket, the guide comprising a radial vent, which comprises a vent channel isolated from the flow of fluid and connecting the inside of the guide jacket to a bore formed in the body of the spray nozzle.