THERMO-MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF PISTON RINGS WITH DIFFERENT PROFILES USING FEA

Mechanical Friction is one of the major forms of energy loss in an IC engine. 15 % of total input fuel energy in an IC engine is lost due to friction of various moving parts. A slight modification in component surface/geometry can save a significant part of investment in automotive sector. Piston compression ring is placed on the top position of the piston assembly. Due to simultaneous sealing and sliding reasons, 80% of the piston subsystem is damaged due to mechanical friction. A slight improvement in ring design and its manufacturing method could save significant amount of energy lost due to friction. [1] Considering this factor, this paper is aimed to identify alternative piston ring profiles, (square, trapezoidal & elliptical) that offer better strength against friction and heat to eventually improve piston and engine life. An exhaustive survey is carried out to understand the impact of piston rings on engine performance and life as well on material properties and the use of numerical simulation techniques for design optimization. According to the research, a piston ring model will be selected and numerical analysis will be carried out to identify structural and thermal strength of the existing and new piston ring profiles.