Optimising the design of a piston-ring pack using DoE methods

This paper shows how design of experiments can be used with a ring-pack simulation program to optimise the design of a piston-ring assembly Ten factors are varied-six describing the ring profile three ring tensions and the lubricant viscosity Statistical analysis shows that there are some significant interactions between some of the factors-an Issue that should be considered when performing te t-bed measurements on engines It is shown that an improved design can be achieved that reduces ring losses by 57% whilst reducing upward oil flow by 39% This could lead to a 7% improvement in fuel economy provided there are no deleterious effects in other parts of the engine (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved