16 Nordic Symposiumon Tribology, Aarhus, Denmark

128



Experimental Investigation of the Tribological Behaviour of Cylinder Liner Piston Ring Contact
with High Pressure Difference Across Ring Pack

Peder Klit
1
, Anders Vlund
2

1
Technical University of Denmark, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Solid Mechanics,
Nils Koppels All , Building 404, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby
2
MAN Diesel & Turbo SE, Teglholmsgade 41, 2450 Kbenhavn SV


Abstract
The tribological interface between piston rings and the cylinder liner is a highly complex system. In order
to study isolated effects a test rig was used and equipped with sensors. Experiments with varying running
speeds, loading and geometry of the piston ring segment are conducted. The test rig is a scale model of a
real engine. The cylinder liner piston ring contact is studied in the test apparatus where the cylinder
diameter is 160mm. The test apparatus consists of a frame structure in which cylinder liner, piston,
piston rings and connecting rod from a L16/24 MAN engine is utilized. The piston has been modified
such that up to four piston rings can be mounted in the piston. The pressure drop across rings is obtained
by injecting high pressure air between the rings. The maximum injecting pressure is 60bar. The operation
of the device is made using a crank mechanism in order to ensure engine-like operation. The frictional
force between the liner and the piston rings is recorded. Furthermore sensors for evaluation of oil film
thickness are installed.


Keywords: piston ring, friction, lubrication, experiment