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Monday, February 2, 2015

Are We In The Right Direction Towards Engine Friction Reduction?

By Enid Hinton


In the automobile industry, the player who can save more fuel is already an edge above the others. The fuel economy is very critical, considering that the cost of fuel cost has been steadily rising. Other than just saving on fuel, there are several other potential benefits associated with engine friction reduction. These range from a smooth ride to a long lasting engine. In addition to these economic factors, there are a number of social-political considerations such as environmental impacts which puts into account the energy consumption and emissions.

This explains the need to use aluminum over cast iron in the manufacture of pistons. Aluminum being less dense means less weight which in turn ensures that less energy is require for rotating parts of the combustion system. In the same time, less weight significantly cut down on the rate of wear and tear and heat emitted which in turn translates to efficiency and less carbon discharge to the surrounding environment.

As such, the engineers are always striving to obtain a combustion system with the least possible friction, and indeed, big steps have been taken towards this goal. Currently, every part of the engine is designed after a careful consideration. Naturally, the less the wear and tear effect, the more the energy available per liter of fuel consumed which in turn increases the efficiency of the vehicle in terms of mileage.

The competition in no longer on appearance, or cost, fuel efficiency has now developed to be the primary area of completion in this industry. As of now, the focus is mainly on the low tech parts considered to be off-the- rack components such as the oil pump, the cylinder rings, and the seals which are now developed into top of the notch hardware.

The need to use bearings that are smaller in size is also gaining popularity. These bearings are also coated with other metals, particularly the copper, tin or even lead and their compounds. The logic in size is that the smaller the bearing, the lesser the surface in contact which in turn means less wear and tear and even heat emitted. In many cases, thinner oil is also preferred all with the aim of minimizing friction.

The other techniques used include the introduction of valves with slick coated rocks. The pistons on the other hands have smaller skirts that are coated. They are also fitted with the rings with lower tension which aids in pushing back the piston drag. Over 25 percent of friction in the combustion system results from the piston and redesigning the piston must be the primary goal for the engineers in achieving more efficient automotive.

The other available alternatives include the use of polymer and Teflon seals. Many motor vehicle manufacturers are now opting for seals over the old-styled spring-loaded seals that previously used. This is just another example of the technology the engineers are considering. Tungsten ductile, a chemical compound commonly used in the space agency NASA as a lubricant, and later widely used in auto racing has not been largely exploited by other ordinary vehicles largely due to its cost and complexity. However, some companies are now rubbing it on the engine parts to give a wear and heat resistant surface.

The engineers are willing to consider all options at their disposal to produce the most fuel efficient cars that are friendlier to the environment. These are the machines that are encouraged by the industry regulators and loved by the consumers.




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