A numerical model for calculation of piston rings wetted area in a combustion engine

Assumptions made while modelling the oil film between the ring and the cylinder liner in IC engines, especially concerning the boundaries of the wetted area of the ring face surface, were discussed and the assumptions adopted for the developed model were presented in this study. It was assumed that the model should take into account partially flooded lubrication, which meant that the boundaries of the ring wetted area had to be determined. Based on the adopted assumptions, a model for calculation of the oil film thickness between the cylinder and moving rings, and thickness of the oil film left on the cylinder by the ring pack was developed. A computer application operating in the Windows operation system was developed to carry out numerical calculations. The results of initial numerical calculations were also presented. The proposed model can be utilized to determine the effects of the ring pack geometry, especially the geometry of the ring surface, on parameters of lubrication. These parameters, including the oil film thickness, distribution of pressure in oil film or tangential force, are crucial for friction and wear of cooperating surfaces, oil consumption, and flow of gas from the combustion chamber to the crankcase, thus playing a role in the durability, fuel consumption and emission of an engine.