Effect of the Geometric Profile of Top Ring on the Tribological Characteristics of a Low-Displacement Diesel Engine

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze the influence of the geometric profile of the compression ring on the tribological properties of the lubricant. Additionally, the influence of the rotation speed and the engine load on the state of the lubricant is evaluated. For this study, a single-cylinder diesel engine is taken as the basis, from which a CAD model of the combustion chamber-piston assembly was made. In addition, the conditions in the cylinder chamber were analyzed when the engine operates at a rotation speed of 3000, 3300, 3600, and 3900 rpm, and a load of 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 N. The calculations were developed using the OpenFOAM® simulation software. The results obtained show that changes in the geometric profile of the ring can contribute to reducing the hydrodynamic friction force by 13% and the friction force caused by roughness by 61%. This implies a decrease in the power lost by friction. In general, the modification of the geometric profile allowed a reduction of 21% in the lost power associated with friction. Additionally, it was observed that the shape of the profile allows to reduce the pressure in the lubricant by 65% and obtain a greater thickness of the lubrication film. On average, an increase of 300 rpm and 1.5 N in the speed and load of the engine causes the friction force and power losses to increase by 45% and 10%. The above results imply that the geometric profile of the compression ring can improve tribological performance in the engine, allowing a reduction in fuel and better lubricant performance.