Modeling of Oil Film Thickness in Piston Ring/Liner Interface

The correct understanding of piston ring/liner lubrication condition has a primary importance in order to improve internal combustion engine efficiency in terms of oil consumption and friction losses. Analytical and numerical investigation of piston ring-pack becomes then a reliable tool for evaluating piston ring/liner interface lubrication mechanism. Main aim of this paper is to examine the effects of technical aspects, such as ring geometry and operating condition on modeling of piston ring/liner lubrication. An analytical model based on lubrication theory under hydrodynamic regime is here presented and discussed. The model can represent a useful tool for designing low friction engine components and it can be applied to develop reliable friction models to predict actual engine output.