Review of Power Cylinder Friction for Diesel Engines

Abstract

Power cylinder friction is a major contributor to overall engine friction. For engines of the future to become more fuel efficient it will be necessary to reduce power cylinder friction. To be able to reduce the friction it is important to fully understand it. This paper is a review of power cylinder friction with a specific emphasis on diesel engines. This paper first describes how significant the contribution of power cylinder friction is compared to all the other losses of the engine. It compares the mechanical friction of the engine to the total energy produced by the engine. Then a comparison is made of the power cylinder friction to overall mechanical friction. A comparison of different methods of friction measurement is be made. The advantages and disadvantages are given for each method. There is also a comparison of motoring versus firing friction tests. An equation is given to estimate the effect of bore and stroke on power cylinder friction. Other equations for estimating power cylinder friction are also shown. More sophisticated cylinder kit models are reviewed. Finally a review is made of methods for reducing friction. These are based on a broad review from various companies. [S0742-4795(00)01604-5]