Efficient approach for solution of the mechanical losses of the piston ring pack

Piston rings play an important role in the lubricant system of reciprocating engines with consequences for engine wear, power losses and oil consumption. The computational solution of piston ring dynamics is a very complex problem which requires multiple numerical approaches supplemented by suitable inputs. This paper demonstrates the principles of the numerical solution of piston ring dynamics in mixed-lubrication conditions incorporating a virtual engine and experimental inputs. A simulation algorithm is integrated into the user-guided interface and it is available for industry usage. The solution results are presented for a passenger car petrol engine with a three-piston-ring configuration.