Browse Topic: Aluminum engines

Items (175)
Topology Optimization of an Engine Piston to Reduce Particulate Emissions during Cold Start Operation2019-01-08354/2/2019
The majority of engine out particulate emissions are released in the first several minutes of cold start operation, in large part due to cold piston surface temperatures which fall well below the boiling point of the injected fuel. Use of topology optimization methods to increase piston surface temperatures is a promising approach to solve this challenge, but existing applications have focused largely on basic small-scale canonical scenarios in the steady-state. In this work an algorithm was developed and demonstrated which is aimed at optimizing the internal structure of an engine piston to increase piston surface temperatures during the early phases of engine cold start, while subjected to a peak temperature limit during hot steady-state conditions. Finite difference heat transfer models of a light duty aluminum engine piston were created and an evolutionary optimization algorithm in conjunction with the Lagrange Multiplier Method were used to develop optimal piston topologies. Overall the methods developed represent a unique successful application of topology optimization techniques to an unsteady thermal system at a practical scale. Various optimal designs were generated and common geometric traits between them were identified, providing insight for future piston designs. The relationship between mean piston surface temperature after one minute of cold operation and maximum piston temperature during hot steady-state operation was quantified, defining optimal design limits and quantifying the trade-off between the two temperatures.
Mansfield, Andrew
The bearing performance of steel backed half bearings, bushings, and washers is dependent on the properties and thickness of the lining alloy, the strength and dimensional stability of the steel backing (usually SAE 1010) and the strength of the bond between the lining alloy and the backing. This SAE Information Report is primarily concerned with the properties of the lining alloys used in automotive applications, in particular, the crankshaft bearings of the internal combustion engine.
Metals Technical Committee
Cylinder Head Thermo-Mechanical Fatigue Risk Assessment under Customer Usage2017-01-10863/28/2017
For aluminum automotive cylinder head designs, one of the concerning failure mechanisms is thermo-mechanical fatigue from changes in engine operating conditions. After an engine is assembled, it goes through many different operating conditions such as cold start, through warm up, peak power, and intermediate cycles. Strain alternation from the variation in engine operation conditions change may cause thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF) failure in combustion chamber and exhaust port. Cylinder heads having an integrated exhaust manifold are especially exposed to this failure mode due to the length and complexity of the exhaust gas passage. First a thermo-mechanical fatigue model is developed to simulate a known dynamometer/bench thermal cycle and the corresponding thermo-mechanical fatigue damage is quantified. Additionally, strain state of the cylinder head and its relation to thermo-mechanical fatigue are discussed. The bench test was used to verify the TMF analysis approach. For field risk assessment, the customer usage profiles (customer image) are analyzed and corresponding duty cycles are built. A thermo-mechanical fatigue analysis approach based on transient cylinder head temperature history is developed for each customer usage duty cycle, and the corresponding strain alternation is translated to a thermo-mechanical fatigue life/damage. The risk of a cylinder head thermo-mechanical fatigue crack can be predicted from a customer image and related duty cycles.
Sever, CagriBrewer, ToddEeley, ScottChen, XingfuJin, RuichenKhalil, EmadHerr, Michael
New Coated Cast-In Liner to Improve Heat Transfer on Aluminum Blocks2016-36-026210/25/2016
Engine development activities are being driven forward primarily by the challenge of continuing to reduce CO2 and exhaust emissions. From the piston/liner system it is well known that Lube Oil Consumption (LOC) is affected by the bore distortion occurrences within Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) that usually demands a redesign on the piston ring pack not in favor to reduce friction losses. This article shows a potential solution to reduce bore distortion and oil evaporation through more efficient heat dissipation from combustion chamber to engine cooling system in a modern aluminum Spark Ignition (SI) block. Electroplated nickel coating applied to the external cast iron surface previous to the casting process enable a metallurgical diffusion layer with the aluminum block material and therefore improve heat conductivity in fired operation conditions compared to conventional cast iron liners. The improvement of the heat dissipation rate reduced the bore distortion and therefore LOC as proven by engine tests. In this paper, results of engine dyno tests to build up LOC maps using Real Time Lube Oil Consumption (RTLOC) by mass spectrometry are presented. The application of nickel coated liners showed LOC reduction up to 75% in certain engine operation conditions. Detailed information about the coating and diffusion layer of Fe-Ni-Al is also presented by Energy Dispersive X- Ray (EDS) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Finally comparative analysis of bonding strength on aluminum blocks and thermal conductivity measurements by thermocouples installed on aluminum blocks engine test is presented to consolidate the nickel coating technology.
Rejowski, Edneyde Souza, Juliano PallaoroRabello, Rafael Bettini
Investigation into Mixed and Hydrodynamic Frictions of PEO Coatings and Cast Iron2016-01-04914/5/2016
A linerless aluminum (Al) engine block has potential to reduce the weight of an automotive engine and improve the fuel economy. However, the Al cylinder surface of an aluminum engine block is not usually strong enough to withstand the sliding wear against piston rings. A few surface processing technologies are used to protect the surface of cylinders. Among them, a thermal spraying coating, such as plasma transferred wire arc (PTWA) is already popular. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coating is also proposed for increasing the wear resistance of aluminum-silicon (Al-Si) alloys and reducing the friction between the cylinder and piston. In this work, two different PEO coatings with a thickness of around 23 μm were prepared on an Al-Si alloy A356, and a high speed pin-on-disc tribometer was used to study the tribological behavior of the coatings at oil lubricant conditions. A cast iron sample was also used to do similar tribological tests for comparison. The coefficient of friction (COF) vs surface roughness (Ra: 0.2 - 0.8 μm) and sliding speeds (up to 6.07 m/s) were particularly studied. The results show that the COF significantly decreased with the increase of sliding speeds, and a smoother coating surface generally exhibited a lower COF and a steeper descent rate of the COF. While such observations seem true for both PEO coatings and the cast iron sample, the polished PEO coatings can have a lower COF than cast iron. The study indicates that the Al-Si alloy with PEO coatings could be further explored as a feasible solution to reduce the weight and improve the fuel efficiency of an Al engine.
Wang, GuangNie, XueyuanTjong, Jimi
MMLV: Aluminum Cylinder Block with Bulkhead Inserts and Aluminum Alloy Connecting Rod2015-01-12384/14/2015
The Multi Material Lightweight Vehicle (MMLV), developed by Magna International and Ford Motor Company, is a result of US Department of Energy project DE-EE0005574. The project demonstrated the lightweighting potential of a five-passenger sedan while maintaining vehicle performance and occupant safety. Prototype vehicles were manufactured and limited full-vehicle testing was conducted. The Mach-I vehicle design, comprised of commercially-available materials and production processes, achieved a 364 kg (23.5%) full-vehicle mass reduction. This resulted in environmental benefits and fuel economy improvements. A significant factor in the overall MMLV mass reduction was the decrease in the powertrain system weight from 340 kg (conventional) to 267 kg (MMLV). This enabled the application of a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine as the main powerplant. By downsizing the engine, and by implementing material changes within the engine, the weight of the dressed engine was lowered by 29 kg. This paper examines the results from studies performed on two key MMLV powertrain components: an aluminum engine block with steel bulkhead inserts; and a connecting rod forged using a high-strength aluminum alloy. Both can yield significant weight savings compared to their conventional iron and steel equivalent components. For the MMLV, a small-displacement, high-output engine was desired for the powertrain. Based upon a prototype1.0L I3, the MMLV variant was cast in aluminum instead of gray iron. As the aluminum block structure was not sufficient to carry the loads associated with operation, reinforcement was needed. A bulkhead insert (patent-pending) was designed to carry the loads from the head deck through to the crankshaft area while maintaining stable thermal growth characteristics in the main crank journal. The optimum geometry of the insert was found to have an I-beam cross-section; macro-serrations were added to enhance the bond between the block and bulkhead insert. This study found that the cast aluminum block with the bulkhead inserts reduced the weight of the I3 block by 9.5 kg; this represents a 42% savings compared to a block cast in iron. The study also determined that bulkhead inserts can be designed to carry 95% of the main bearing loads generated from the combustion process. Additionally, the casting process allowed for a high interfacial bond to develop between the block and insert. Finally, a bulkhead fatigue bench test was used to validate the design and accurately predict failure location in the bulkhead insert. The results of the study have been used to guide a decision to continue the evaluation of the aluminum block with bulkhead inserts. The aluminum connecting rod study found that, with a careful selection of material and processes, it is feasible to produce aluminum connecting rods for high volume OEM vehicles. Further, the study found that a recently developed high-temperature, high strain-rate forging process does improve the ductility and fatigue strength of a 2618-T6 aluminum alloy. CAE analysis was used to confirm that a connecting rod can be designed using the 2618-T6 alloy to meet fatigue safety factor as well as clamp load and fastener requirements. The analysis determined that the Al alloy reduced the weight of a connecting rod by over 200 g (for a total saving of 700 g for the I3 engine); this represents a weight savings of 40% compared to conventional steel alloy rods. As with the block, the initial study on the aluminum connecting rod indicates that further material, design, and component verification is warranted.
Maki, CliffByrd, KevinMcKeough, BryanRentschler, Robert G.Nellenbach, Brian J.Williams, Rick L.Boileau, James M.
Effect of Surface Roughness and Sliding Velocity on Tribological Properties of an Oxide-Coated Aluminum Alloy2014-01-09574/1/2014
Aluminum engines have been successfully used to replace heavy gray cast engines to lighten the car's weight and reduce the fuel consumption. To overcome the aluminum alloys' poor wear resistance, cast iron liners and thermal spraying coatings were used as cylinder bore materials for wear protection. A plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technique had also been proposed to produce an oxide coating on aluminum cylinder bore. The oxide coating can have a low coefficient of friction (COF) and minimum wear shown in the lab tests. To conserve more fuel, the stopping and restarting system was introduced when the vehicle was forced to stop immediately for a short time. When the engine was forced to stop and restart, the reciprocating speed of the piston was very slow, and the friction between the piston and the cylinder was high. In this research, a pin-on-disc tribometer was used to investigate tribological behavior of the oxide coating on an aluminum alloy. The rotational velocity of the tribometer was increased stepwise in a low speed range during the tests. The COF and wear of counterface pins were measured and evaluated corresponding to different combinations of sliding velocities. The results showed that the COF could be affected by many factors such as coating composition, surface roughness, amount of lubricating oil and sliding velocity. With the increase of velocity in the low speed range, the COF decreased. The smoother of the coating surface, the less wear of counterface pin. A proper combination of coating surface roughness and sliding velocity could provide a significant lower COF and less wear.
Wang, GuangNie, Xueyuan
Analysis of Residual Strain Profiles in Distorted Aluminum Engine Blocks by Neutron Diffraction2013-01-01714/8/2013
In recent years, light weight components have been an area of significant importance in automotive design. This has led to the replacement of steel and cast iron with aluminum alloys for many automotive components. For instance, Al-Si alloys have successfully replaced nodular and gray cast iron in the production of large automotive components such as engine blocks. However, excessive residual strain along the cylinder bores of these engine blocks may result in cylinder distortion during engine operation. Therefore, in this study, neutron diffraction was used to evaluate residual strain along the aluminum cylinder bridge and the gray cast iron liners of distorted and undistorted engine blocks. The strains were measured in the hoop, radial, and axial orientations. The results suggest that the residual strain along the aluminum cylinder bridge of the distorted engine block was tensile for all three measured components. Conversely, the undistorted engine block had compressive strains in the axial and radial orientations, while the hoop direction had tensile strain of lower magnitude. The gray iron liners, meanwhile, had compressive residual strain for both engine blocks. The variation in strain, specifically in the aluminum cylinder bridge, suggests that permanent dimensional distortion in the cylinders was triggered by tensile residual stress when exposed to service conditions.
Lombardi, AnthonyRavindran, Comondore (Ravi)Sediako, DimitryMackay, Robert
Modeling and Analysis of Powertrain NVH2012-01-08884/16/2012
Current modeling techniques of the powertrain noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) involve fully meshed structural components and rely, in general, on predefined excitation loads to evaluate linear transfer or structural attenuation functions. While effective for comparative assessment of various designs, these methods neglect the complex dynamic interactions between the powertrain structure and crankshaft, piston, valve train, timing drive, and accessory drive systems. This paper presents an overview of modeling methods of low and high frequency powertrain NVH with focus on dynamic interaction among structural components. A coupled and fully flexible multi-body dynamics model using AVL/Excite is presented. The model includes the cranktrain, crankcase, cylinder head, covers, oil pan, mounts, and transmission housing represented as finite element meshes. The main bearings are represented using elasto-hydrodynamic joints to account for the effect of oil film stiffness and damping as well as bearing clearance. The structural components are reduced using component mode synthesis and used to determine dynamic loads at various engine speeds and loading conditions. The main excitation sources relevant for both low and high frequency NVH and the influence of cylinder pressure, bottom end design, and crankshaft stiffness are discussed. An overview of piston related noise and modeling techniques to identify the causes and mechanisms leading to excessive impact noise in a floating piston pin design are presented.
Beloiu, Dumitru M.
Modelling of the Warm-up of a Spark Ignition Engine: Application to Hybrid Vehicles2011-01-17478/30/2011
One of the main advantage of a hybrid thermal-electric vehicle is that the internal combustion engine (ICE) can be shut down when not needed anymore (Stop&Start system, propulsion with full-electric mode), thus reducing fuel consumption. But this use of the ICE impacts its thermal behavior because of a lack of heat source and thermal losses. Furthermore, the ICE is sometimes used with higher load in order to charge the batteries that increases the total heating power produced by the combustion. Therefore, the simulation of hybrid vehicles becomes really interesting to evaluate the effect of different control strategies (energy repartition between the engine and the electric motor) on the fuel consumption. However, in most of actual hybrid vehicles simulation tools, for calculation speed reasons, the thermal phenomena are either not taken into account, or their calculation is not based on physical equations (empirical formulas). Their predictive capability is then limited. The global aim of this study is the development of a simulation tool (using the Amesim® software) for hybrid electric vehicle which takes into account most of the thermal phenomena occurring in the various components and between them without increasing the calculation time. In this paper, we first focus on thermal phenomena occurring in the spark ignition ICE. The coupling of a combustion model with a thermal model of the engine cooling system and its metal parts allows a simulation of its warm-up after a cold start. The thermal transfers between the different thermal inertia are computed and their dependence with different parameters like speed or load is evaluated. Research about the heating speed of the cooling water and the lubricating oil (due to the viscous friction and dependent of the global thermal state of the ICE) are interesting in order to find the best use of the ICE and therefore reducing the fuel consumption. Finally, the model of the engine including the thermal transfers is integrated in a simulation of the whole vehicle. The thermal behavior of two vehicles (a conventional and a parallel hybrid electric) using the same spark ignition engine is finally presented. The first results show that the thermal phenomena have a significant impact on the final consumption of the vehicles.
Dubouil, R.Hetet, J. F.Maiboom, A.
Engine Reliability Through Infant Mortality Mitigation: Literature Review2010-36-004910/6/2010
Internal combustion engines are designed to meet the high power, low fuel consumption and also, low exhaust emissions. The engine running conditions is valid the concept that, the expectative is very high because of the variety of operating conditions like cold start, frequent start and stop, time high speed and load, traditional gasoline, mix of gasoline and alcohol and finally, alcohol fuel only. Considering such demand, this paper explains the relationship between the reliability bathtub curve, specifically the "Infant Mortality" portion. The bathtub curve describes failure rate as a function of time. The "Infant Mortality" portion of the curve is the initial section for which the failure (death) rate decreases with time (age). In general, these problems are related to manufacturing aspects or poor design definitions. With development of technology, hard failures, the ones that cause dependability, are becoming rare. On the other hand, soft failures, the ones that cause poor customer perception, are increasing with competition and customer high demand. This paper focuses on a literature review of these two categories, approaching firstly the mechanisms of failures and secondly, a short description of the basic concepts. Also, a special emphasis is given to engine noises. Throughout this discipline to understand the failure mechanism and then, the basic concepts, it is expected to: 1) concentrate on perfect systems, not perfect components, 2) understand interaction failure modes and finally 3) do not pack more functionality into one button just because you can, the paper discusses the relationship with engine typical failure modes. In addition, better advanced quality plans and control plans can be performed.
Andreassa, Mauro C.
Advanced Lost Foam Casting Processes and Materials2009-01-02134/20/2009
The lost foam casting process (LFCP) is a near-net shape casting process. This process is the most energy efficient casting process available. “Foundry Management and Technology” magazine analyzed the lost foam process and reported a 27% energy savings, a 46% improvement in labor productivity and 7% less material usage compared to other casting processes. The LFCP produces high value parts by combining multiple components into single castings, improving energy efficiency by achieving better metal yields, reducing materials consumption by eliminating cores, providing minimal post casting processing and improving as-cast dimensional accuracy. All of these process features reduce the total energy consumed during manufacturing. Advanced lost foam casting processes (Pressure Assisted Solidification and Vacuum Assisted Mold Filling) have demonstrated the capability to improve mechanical properties, especially fatigue performance, for aluminum alloys and improve casting cleanliness, which reduces scrap, for ferrous alloys. Advantages of LFCP that have not been fully utilized are 1) freedom from gray iron “skin” formation in ductile and compacted graphite iron and 2) elimination of hot tearing for high strength, cast aluminum alloys. These advantages, combined with the inherent near-net shape capability of the LFCP, would allow the economical production of lightweight, high strength and/or high stiffness automotive engine components, such as cylinder blocks and cylinder heads. These components would have a significant effect on vehicle fuel economy by allowing the production of diesel engines with lighter weight, greater performance and lower cost than currently possible.
Druschitz, Alan P.Littleton, Harry
Nondestructive Characterization of Residual Stresses on Cylinder Liners and Blocks via X-ray Diffraction Techniques2009-01-04234/20/2009
It is well known that machining operations produce surface conditions that can either enhance or debit the fatigue life of production components. Furthermore it has been well established that the thermal gradients produced during the solidification process of a casting operation can also generate detrimental residual stress loads. Cast cylinder blocks can sustain life limiting stress gradients from these processes. Due to their complex geometry it has historically been very difficult if not impossible to fully characterize the residual stresses present at critical locations in cylinder blocks. Recent advances in x-ray diffraction (XRD) have reduced the minimum clearance required for an accurate measurement from 200mm to 70mm. This now allows XRD to be used as a non destructive test (NDT) on features such as cylinder liners and bores, bulk heads and assembled journals. These advancements will allow OEM's and their suppliers to improve fatigue life and product quality by characterizing and managing the residual stresses present at various stages of production. Beyond production this technology will allow OEM's to measure residual stresses at different stages of a blocks operational life. Such information can be used to help design engine blocks with superior performance and life expectancy.
Ladouceur, J.Pineault, J.Brauss, M.
The Status of Experimental Investigations on Low Heat Rejection Engines2004-01-14533/8/2004
Energy conservation and emissions have become of increasing concern over the past few decades. As automobiles are one of the major sources of energy consumption and urban emissions, engineers concerned are under significant pressure to improve their energy efficiency and reduce exhaust emission levels. While tremendous effort has been devoted in improving performance and reducing emissions of current engines, new technologies are also getting attention. One example is the Low Heat Rejection Engine (LHRE). A technological thrust is currently in progress to develop insulated, low heat rejection engines which exhibit higher thermal efficiency and improved exhaust emissions. The low heat rejection engine concept is not new. For the past two decades many have conducted experiments on low heat rejection engines. Although promising, the results of the experimental investigations have been somewhat mixed. Many have shown that insulation reduces heat transfer but none have shown substantial gains in efficiency, performance and emissions. Some investigators even concluded that insulation increases heat transfer and degrades the performance of the engine. This paper presents a general overview about the previous experimental research efforts into low heat rejection engine concept. This paper explains in detail the engine used, test conditions and constraints, insulation materials used, degree of insulation and results obtained by different researchers in their experimental investigation. The factors that affect thermal efficiency, other performance parameters and exhaust emissions were deduced and their influences discussed.
Jaichandar, S.Tamilporai, P.
Summary of Results of Development and Validation of Hot Honing System to Provide Improved Engine Performance2002-01-329912/2/2002
Operating cylinder bore geometry and finish have been identified by numerous investigators over the years as having the capability to modify oil consumption, blowby, wear, and engine friction. It has also been recognized that cylinder bores, even though machined and honed to a round state at the time the block is produced, change shape when cylinder heads are installed and when the engine reaches normal operating temperatures. The concept of heating the block with a simulated head plate and then honing the cylinder bore to achieve a round bore has been evaluated by race engine builders over the years. A number of Formula One engine builders have utilized cylinder bore geometries which were developed while the bores were honed with the cylinder liner installed in a heated block with a heated hone plate. Review of the published literature and discussions with major race engine builders have indicated that minimal organized information on hot honing techniques, procedures, and associated equipment is available. This paper outlines and summarizes procedures followed, data accumulated, and conclusions developed in this study. Utilizing the procedures outlined, it appears that 1-2% improvement in horsepower can be achieved with a corresponding reduction in power loss in the cylinder kit system in an otherwise well-developed high-performance engine.
McCormick, HaroldMeara, Tim
Phasing Strategy for an Engine with Twin Variable Cam Timing2002-01-11013/4/2002
Twin camshaft phasing was applied to a 1.6l 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine. Both camshafts - intake and exhaust - were equipped with continuously adjustable cam phasing units. Different operating strategies were compared with regard to mechanical feasibility, thermodynamics and calibration. Attractive part load fuel economy was achieved with two different phasing strategies. With regard to full load and idle a preferred twin camshaft phasing strategy was determined. It was found favorable to shift the intake camshaft largely towards ‘advance’, and the exhaust camshaft towards ‘retard’. Maximum fuel economy improvement was 8% at 2500 rpm and 3 bar mean effective pressure. In the European drive cycle 5 % fuel economy improvement was obtained. To achieve superior performance it is mandatory to combine twin camshaft phasing with an appropriate exhaust system and optimized cam events. The best exhaust system was found to be a 4-2-1 manifold with 2 closed coupled catalysts in the manifold secondaries. With such an exhaust system, a tuned intake manifold and optimized cam events, a mean effective pressure of 12 bar was demonstrated between 2000 rpm and 4500 rpm. Compared with the base engine the maximum torque increase at 2000 rpm amounted to 15 %. The average torque increase was 10 %. The described phasing strategy led to a 50 % reduction in NOx feedgas emissions in the European drive cycle. This reduction, along with the homogenous, stoichiometric operation enables the twin camshaft phasing technology to fulfill the tightest emission regulations with customary fuel quality and standard aftertreatment technology.
Kramer, UlrichPhlips, Patrick
Friction Reduction - the Engine's Mechanical Contribution to Saving Fuel2000-05-01606/12/2000
Over the last few years, engine development has succeeded in reducing friction by up to 30 %. This corresponds to a reduction of fuel consumption in urban traffic of around 10 %, thus, making friction reduction - aside from the introduction of Otto DI engine and the transition from IDI to DI Diesel engines - an effective measure to reduce fuel consumption. Investigations of engines and engine components show that even today's “Best in Class” engines still harbor a reduction potential of least 20 %. Possible ways to realize this potential lie in: Adapted dimensioning of the friction relevant engine parameters Lightweight design of dynamic components Optimized layout of the timing drive (especially in valve train designs with roller followers and chain drives) Optimization of the piston group (up to 50 % of the parasitic losses can occur here) The investigations are based on detailed friction measurements of over 100 sample engines and their components. The analysis of the measured data, together with more in-depth measurements using special measurement techniques give insight into current trends and directions for new designs. With the help of benchmarking and simulation programs, the influence of individual design parameters on the friction behavior and variants can be found. This paper is meant to highlight the often hidden role of engine mechanics in the development of fuel consumption favorable engines and compare it to the development steps of SI and Diesel engine procedures.
Schwaderlapp, MarkusKoch, Dr.-Ing. FranzDohmen, Dipl.-Ing. Jürgen
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