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The ``limits of lubrication'' concept applied to thepiston ring zone lubrication of modern engines

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Abstract

The ``limits of lubrication'' concept is used to consider thephysical and chemical results obtained from bore wall and pistonring zone sampling for the CAT 3406 B and Petter AA-1 dieselengines. It is shown that the mass of lubricant in the pistonring zone has declined substantially and also that the residencetime of that lubricant has increased by an order of magnitude,due to changes in piston ring pack design. The composition of thelubricant also changes as it moves up through the ring pack. Theinfluence of surface finish is discussed and it is shown that the``ideal'' surface for lubricant transport control is not defined,moreover, that the ``ideal'' initial manufactured surface mayneed to be defined in terms of the ``ideal'' running surfaceobtained by wear. The lubricant regime in the piston ringzone/bore interface is also discussed and shown to be closest toboundary lubrication.

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References

  1. S. D. Cupples, M. F. Fox, F. D. Gainey, D. J. Picken and S. B. Saville, SAE 881586 (1988).

  2. S. D. Cupples, PhD Thesis, DeMontfort University, UK(1993).

  3. M.F. Fox C.J. Jones D. Hickford, D.J., Picken, F.A. Kelley and D.E. Copp, in Proc. Ann. Automotive Technology Development Contractors Coordination Meeting, Dearborn, 24-27 October 1994, Publ. SAE, ISBN 1-56091-654-0.

  4. D. C. Shubrook, DeMontfort University, UK, unpublished.

  5. Unpublished work in conjunction with the Metrology Centre, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Birmingham, UK.

  6. M. R. Sutton (VW 1431) and N. J. Pease (Mercedes M1-11), De Montfort University, UK, unpublished.

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Authors
  1. M.F. Fox
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  2. C.J. Jones
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  3. D.J. Picken
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  4. C.G. Stow
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Fox, M., Jones, C., Picken, D. et al. The ``limits of lubrication'' concept applied to thepiston ring zone lubrication of modern engines. Tribology Letters 3, 99–106 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1019144030153

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1019144030153

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