In Situ Wear Measuring Technique in Engine Cylinders

Abstract

An in situ wear probe was developed to measure the rate of cylinder liner wear and its roughness at the top ring reversal point where severe wear can occur. The wear probe can be removed from the cylinder block and replaced without the need for engine disassembly. The wear probe is scanned at a laser stylus surface measuring station where its topography and wear are analyzed. The engine used is a single-cylinder, air-cooled gasoline engine. A sample of the surface properties and analysis is given. Experimental data are given for the wear rate and different roughness parameters and their variation over the first few hours of the break-in period.