A Study on Measurement of Conformability of the Piston Oil Ring on the Cylinder Bore Under Engine Operating Condition by LIF Method Using Optical Fiber

Engine oil consumption must be reduced for reducing exhaust gas emissions. It is well known that a cylinder bore shape under engine operating condition affects oil consumption. This study aimed clarifying the conformability of an oil ring against the distorted cylinder bore. Oil film thickness at the sliding surface of oil ring upper and lower rails was successfully measured by LIF method using optical fiber, which was embedded in the oil ring. The piston motion was also measured and compared with measured oil film thickness. It was found that the piston tilting motion affected oil film thickness hence its conformability. It was also found that thicker oil film was found at the following rail than that at former rail, and it was suggested that oil was supplied to the following rail from not only the sliding surface of the former ring but also somewhere, for example, the oil ring groove.