Structures and functions

The cylinder block is the basic framework of a car engine. It supports and holds all the other engine components. Figure 2.1 shows a typical cylinder block without an integrated crankcase. Figure 2.2 shows the block with the upper part of the crankcase included. Figure 2.31 schematically illustrates the relative positions of the cylinder, piston and piston ring. The cylinder is a large hole machined in the cylinder block, surrounded by the cylinder wall.

The piston rapidly travels back and forth in the cylinder under combustion pressure. The cylinder wall guides the moving piston, receives the combustion pressure, and conveys combustion heat outside the engine. Figure 2.4 gives an analysis of the materials needed for a cylinder with high output power and summarizes the reasons why a specific material or technology is chosen to fulfil a required function. A more detailed description is given in Appendix B.

The black portions in Fig. 2.3 indicate the areas that are most exposed to friction. These parts need to be carefully designed not only from the viewpoint of lubrication but also tribology, as this has a significant influence on engine performance. Tribology can be defined as the science and technology of interacting surfaces in relative motion, and includes the study of friction, wear and lubrication. Combustion heat discharges at a very high rate and, if not diffused, the raised temperature can lead to tribological problems.

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The science and technology of materials in automotive engines
Hiroshi Yamagata
Woodhead Publishing and Maney Publishing
on behalf of
The Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining
CRC Press
Boca Raton Boston New York Washington, DC
WOODHEAD PUBLISHING LIMITED
Cambridge England

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