Analogy Studies of the Effect of Finishing on the Tribological Running-In Behaviour of Engine Components Using the Example of the Cylinder Running Surface

Abstract

A variety of current scientific work shows the importance and possibilities of an effective conditioning of tribological contacts to minimize friction and wear, respectively an increase in performance of tribological highly stressed components. By slight modifications of the finishing process positive effects like the increase of lifetime or increase of power can therefore be generated. Based on this approach the tribological system piston ring/cylinder running surface of internal combustion engines is an example with high potential for optimization of production. This paper introduces alternative production and conditioning processes. The evaluation of chemical modifications of boundary layers, which are used in addition to the topography as a representative indicator for the description of the functionalities of produced surfaces is considered to be a special aspect. The present paper combines considerations of manufacturing technology with tribological tests showing the relationships and dependencies between the process characteristics of finishing and the operational behavior of the examined components.