Development of a mathematical tool to predict engine in-cylinder friction

Abstract

A better fuel-efficient automotive engine is more sought-after to promote greener environment in the era of global warming. One of the factors to cause the increase of fuel consumption in vehicles is the frictional loss within an internal combustion engine. In this study, the focus is to determine the tribological behaviour between the piston top compression ring and the engine cylinder liner for a full engine cycle. Mathematical models are derived from a 1-D Reynolds equation, assuming Half-Sommerfeld and Reynolds boundary conditions. Greenwood and Tripp rough surface contact model is applied to predict frictional properties along the ring-liner contact, considering viscous and boundary friction. It is found that the Half-Sommerfeld boundary condition predicts minimum lubricant film thickness that correlates well with literature data. However, the friction force predicted by the Reynolds boundary condition along dead centres correlates better with literature data. With friction along the cylinder liner dead centres being very significant, it is, therefore, suggested that the Reynolds boundary condition be the better mathematical model in studying the piston ring-liner tribological conjunction.