A mass-conserving algorithm for piston ring dynamical lubrication problems with cavitation

2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 212-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenpeng He ◽  
Wenqin Gong ◽  
Weisong Xie ◽  
Guichang Zhang ◽  
Zhenyu Hong

Purpose Piston ring dynamic problem plays an important role in the lubricant characteristics of a reciprocating engine, which lead to engine wear and the increased consumption of lubricating oil. A cavitation analysis of the piston ring lubrication with two-dimensional Reynolds equation has rarely been reported owing to the complex working condition. The purpose of this study is to establish a precise model that can provide guidance for the design of the piston ring. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, a cavitation model and its effect on the piston ring lubrication was studied in a simulation program based on the mass-conserving theory which is solved by means of the Newton–Raphson method. In this study, some models such as mixed lubrication, asperity contact, blow-by/blow-back flow and cavitation have been coupled with the lubrication model. Findings The established model has been compared with the traditional model that deals with cavitation by using the Reynolds boundary condition algorithm. The cavitation zone, pressure distribution and density distribution between the piston ring and the cylinder have also been predicted. Studies of the changing trend for the pressure distribution and the cavitation zone at few typical crank angles have been listed to illustrate the cavitation changing rule. The analysis of the results indicates that the developed simulation model can adequately illustrate the lubrication problem of the piston ring system. All the analyses will provide guidance for the oil film rupture and the reformation process. Originality/value A two-dimensional cavitation model based on the mass-conserving theory has been built. The cavitation-forming and -developing process for the piston ring–liner lubrication has been studied. Non-cavitation occurs in the vicinity of top dead center and bottom dead center. The non-cavitation period will be longer in the vicinity of 360° of crank angle. The density distribution in the cavitation zone can be obtained.

Author(s):  
K Liu ◽  
Y. B. Xie ◽  
C. L. Gui

Based on the two-dimensional average flow model and asperity contact model, a theoretical model for the non-axisymmetrical analysis of piston ring lubrication has been suggested in this paper. The two-dimensional distribution of oil-film thickness between the piston rings and cylinder wall is obtained. Results show that the oil-film thickness along the circumference is non-uniform. Starvation is also considered in the model. The effect of secondary motion of piston assemblies on the lubrication property of the piston ring pack has also been studied.


2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-108
Author(s):  
Jun Sun ◽  
Xiao Zhang ◽  
Jianxiong Zhu ◽  
Yaming Gao ◽  
Hu Wang ◽  
...  

Purpose Currently, lubrication analysis of piston ring is generally done under engine rated operating condition. However, the engine (such as the vehicle engine) does not always operate in rated operating condition, and its operating condition changes frequently in actual use. In addition, the lubrication status of piston ring is generally assumed as the flooded lubrication or a certain form of poor lubrication in most of the lubrication analysis. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, based on the equations about the flow rate of lubricating oil and the variation of control volume, the flow model of lubricating oil in the piston ring-cylinder liner conjunction is established. The lubrication analysis of piston ring for a four-stroke engine under different engine operating conditions is done, in which the lubricating oil at the inlet of piston ring is considered as the lubricating oil attached on the relevant location of cylinder wall after the piston ring moves over at the previous stroke. Findings There is remarkable difference for the lubrication characteristics of the piston ring under different engine operating conditions. The worst lubrication status of piston ring may not take place under engine rated operating condition. Originality/value In this paper, based on the measured engine cylinder pressure, the lubrication analysis of piston ring for a four-stroke engine under different engine operating conditions is done in which the lubricating oil supply condition at the inlet of piston ring is considered. The results of this paper are helpful for the design and research of engine piston ring-cylinder liner conjunction.


Author(s):  
Brahim Ladghem Chikouche ◽  
Kamel Boughrara ◽  
Dubas Frédéric ◽  
Rachid Ibtiouen

Purpose This paper aims to propose an improved two-dimensional hybrid analytical method (HAM) in Cartesian coordinates, based on the exact subdomain technique and the magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC). Design/methodology/approach The magnetic field solution is obtained by coupling an exact analytical model (AM), calculated in all regions having relative permeability equal to unity, with a MEC, using a nodal-mesh formulation (i.e. Kirchhoff’s current law) in ferromagnetic regions. The AM and MEC are connected in both axes (x, y) of the (non-)periodicity direction (i.e. in the interface between the tooth regions and all its adjacent regions as slots and/or air-gap). To provide accuracy solutions, the current density distribution in slot regions is modeled by using Maxwell’s equations instead of the MEC characterized by an equivalent magnetomotive force (MMF) located in slots, teeth and yokes. Findings It is found that whatever the iron core relative permeability, the developed HAM gives accurate results for no- and on-load conditions. The finite-element analysis demonstrates excellent results of the developed technique. Originality/value The main objective of this paper is to make a direct coupling between the AM and MEC in both directions (i.e. x- and y-edges). The current density distribution is modeled by using Maxwell’s equations instead of the MEC and characterized by an MMF.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 304-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Polychronis Spyridon Dellis

Purpose Cavitation in piston-ring lubrication is studied as part of the performance of piston-ring assemblies. Cavitation degrades performance in engineering applications and its effect is that it alters the oil film pressure, generated at the converging-diverging wedge of the interface. Studies tried to shed light to the phenomenon of cavitation and compare it with cavities that have been identified in bearings. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach Lubricant formulations were used for parametric study of oil film thickness (OFT) and friction providing the OFT throughout the stroke and LIF for OFT point measurements. Lubricant formulation affects cavitation appearance and behaviour when fully developed. Findings Cavitation affects the ring load carrying capacity. Different forms of cavitation were identified and their shape and size (length and width) is dictated from reciprocating speed and viscosity of the lubricant. A clear picture is given from both techniques and friction results give quantifiable data in terms of the effect in wear and cavitation, depending on the lubricant properties. Research limitations/implications Engine results are limited due to manufacturing difficulties of visualisation windows and oil starvation. Therefore, full stroke length sized windows were not an option and motoring tests were implemented due to materials limitations (adhesive and quartz windows). Lubricant manufacturer has to give data regarding the chemistry of the lubricants. Originality/value The contribution of cavitation in piston-ring lubrication OFT, friction measurements and lubricant parameters that try to shed light to the different forms of cavitation. A link between viscosity, cavitation, shear thinning properties, OFT and friction is given.


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