CERAMICS IN RECIPROCATING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES

While there has been a wealth of technical literature in recent years expounding the theoretical benefits of the use of ceramic material for components in reciprocating internal combustion engines, the amount of literature which describes practical results is small, and this is often characterised by descriptions of catastrophic failures, although successes have been achieved and ceramic components are now in service in production engines. This paper combines Ricardo's own experience in this field with a study of the literature, and by the use of further theoretical analysis shows the areas where ceramics are likely to be employed in reciprocating engines in the future. It quantifies the gains in efficiency which are possible when ceramics are employed both to reduce engine friction and to reduce heat losses. The paper also considers the economic implications of the use of ceramics together with the effect on engine performance.

  • Availability:
  • Supplemental Notes:
    • International Off-Highway and Powerplant Congress and Exposition, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 10-13, 1984.
  • Corporate Authors:

    Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

    400 Commonwealth Drive
    Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
  • Authors:
    • FRENCH, CCJ
  • Publication Date: 1984

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00395752
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: SAE 841135, HS-038 276
  • Files: HSL, USDOT
  • Created Date: Jun 30 1985 12:00AM