Numerical modeling of lubrified contacts in car engines

• Grant number: 08/06605-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2008
• End date: September 30, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Gustavo Carlos Buscaglia
• Grantee: André Mendes Quintino
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Matemáticas e de Computação (ICMC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The behavior of mechanical systems is affected by numerous factors, either improving or deterirating their performances. It is most important to analyze and model these factors so as understand the systems and develop optimized designs. In the specific case of the cylinder/lining contact in engine pistons, the modeling aspect is crucial, since no accurate mathematical model is yet available. The objective is to minimize the energy losses arising from friction, together with the oil consumption rate. In this project, the cylinder/lining contact will be numerically modeled, and a parametric study of the intervening variables will be carried out. Besides the economic interest of the project, its environmental implications (reduction of emission of polluting species) are significant.