Piston ring tribology: A literature survey

The tribological considerations in the contacts formed by the piston skirt, piston rings and cylinder liner have attracted much attention over several decades, not least indicated by the large number of articles published on this topic in recent years. Recent studies include modelling, miniaturised experimental work and full-scale engine testing. This literature survey, covering over 150 references, aims to shed new light on the tribological issues related to the piston assembly. The work is intended as a compact reference volume for internal combustion engines in general, with particular emphasis on diesel engines. Central topics discussed in this work are the basic functions of the piston and the piston rings, the design and the materials of the components, mechanical and thermal loads on the rings, the contact pressure between ring and liner, the sealing action, blow-by leakage, hot gas erosion damage, exhaust emissions, the lubrication conditions and the influence of combustion products, the coefficient of friction and the friction force, the wear of the sliding surfaces and surface technology for wear reduction.