Reliability evaluation of the crankshaft bearing system of Caterpillar D398 diesel engine installed on D9E locomotive used in Vietnam railways based on hydrodynamic lubrication theory

Abstract

Currently, 13 types of diesel locomotives from 9 different countries are being used on Vietnam's railways. For imported products, manufacturers only provide basic technical specifications and parameters related to reliability during the design and manufacturing process are not provided, although these are important parameters that users need to know. However, it is possible to evaluate the reliability of such products after the design and manufacturing process through reliability theory and product specifications.

The crankshaft bearing system on a diesel locomotive is made up of sliding bearings with hydrodynamic lubrication clearance. According to the reliability theory, the crankshaft bearing system is considered a system of series-linked bearing elements. Based on the theoretical basis of the reliability of elements and systems in general as well as of sliding bearing joints with hydrodynamic lubrication clearance in particular, the individual reliability of the main journal–bearing, crankpin journal–bearing as elements and the combined reliability of the Caterpillar D398 diesel engine crankshaft bearing system on the D9E locomotive used in Vietnam railways according to the manufacturer's design parameters as a system of series-linked elements that have been determined.

The research results are a reference basis for managers and users in determining and evaluating the reliability criteria of locomotives in operation.