The correct functioning and the durability of components is established ideally before the first prototype engine is running. AVL uses dedicated test rigs to perform functional tests and initial durability checks of all major engine components and sub-systems, such as valve train, lubrication and cooling systems, chain and belt drive systems, mass balancing systems, etc.
The strength especially of crankshaft, conrod, crankcase is tested on fatigue test rigs. Material properties are measured in order to verify the assumptions made for the layout.
Component and subsystem development is an important step towards reducing development time avoiding development loops, and increasing product quality, in order to get results at the earliest possible time.