Performance and emissions of a diesel engine using Al–Fe–Mg–Si pistons contain up to 15.7% volume fractions of Fe-rich intermetallic compounds

Abstract

Engine performance and emission characteristics were investigated using a single cylinder four-stroke diesel engine with different concentrated intermetallic-based Al–Fe–Mg–Si pistons. Three different alloy combinations (types A, B, and C) of Al–Fe–Mg–Si pistons were developed through the incremental alloying addition of Fe, Mg, Mn, Cu, and Ni. Piston types A, B, and C had Fe-rich intermetallic compounds (IMC), where types B and C had a higher density IMC distribution than type A. The influence of Fe, Mg, Mn, Cu, and Ni alloyed IMC pistons on engine performance and emissions was investigated at various loading conditions. Combustion characteristics such as cylinder pressure and net heat release rate for all piston types were investigated and compared. A similar duration of ignition was seen for all piston types. Frictional loss was reduced by ∼25% in types B and C in comparison to type A. Similarly, mechanical and thermal efficiency were enhanced considerably in types B and C compared to type A. Emission characteristics were also investigated for all piston types. Results showed that NOx was reduced by ∼17.3% with the use of types B and C.