Measurement of oil film thickness for complete stroke length in an unfired I C engine

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a measurement technique wherein the film thickness is measured in unfired condition for entire stroke length but without impairing the original condition of piston ring, liner and lubricant, i.e. non-invasively. Film thickness is measured at different speeds up to 500 rpm. The measurements are initially carried out at near zero speed followed by speeds mentioned above. Measurement highlights the combined effect of variation of bore diameter and ring face profile on the film thickness.

Design/methodology/approach

The film thickness is measured with the help of a set of strain gauges. Four strain gauges are mounted on a sufficiently elastic steel strip which is mounted in a simply supported condition. This assembly of strain gauge is mounted on small rectangular bracket. A cutout is made in the piston to accommodate the bracket. A pin bearing a slot of size sufficient enough to accommodate the piston ring on one side is fixed between the piston ring and the strain gauge assembly. This ensures the transfer of the movement of the piston ring on to the strain gauge. The deflection of the strain gauge is pre-calibrated against a sufficiently accurate dial gauge. Hence any radial movement of the piston ring is sensed by the strain gauge assembly. A data logger unit is connected to the strain gauge output to log the data at every crank angle. A rotary encoder is connected to the crank shaft, to have the correlation of the strain gauge output with the crank angle.

Findings

The technique is capable of measuring oil film thickness for entire stroke at low speeds in unfired engines. The effect of variation in bore diameter on the oil film thickness is significant and hence such measurement can enlighten the path for research to reduce friction. The experimental results of the oil film thickness are in good agreement with predicted values, particularly in the forward stroke (BDC to TDC).

Research limitations/implications

The methodology is not suitable for fired engines as on date but can be taken up as a future work with necessary modifications. It does not take into consideration the effect of elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication.

Practical implications

It can be used to measure OFT between piston ring and liner in unfired engines and reciprocating compressors also.

Social implications

It can help to indentify the areas of research so that the friction between piston ring and liner can be reduced thus increasing efficiency of the engine and reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Originality/value

The work presented is a part of PhD work under progress at S V National Institute of Technology, Surat, India. The setup is in the college premises and the experiments are conducted on the same.

Citation

A. Bulsara, M., V. Bhatt, D. and N. Mistry, K. (2013), "Measurement of oil film thickness for complete stroke length in an unfired I C engine", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 65 No. 6, pp. 449-455. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-05-2011-0030