The effect of thermal barrier coatings on diesel engine performance

An experimental study of the effects of thin thermal barrier coatings on the performance of a diesel engine was conducted. Results obtained from the engine with thermally insulated pistons were compared with the baseline engine data, Engine trials demonstrated good properties of both coating systems. Temperature and stress distributions within the pistons were evaluated analytically by means of the Cosmos/Works FEM code. Results of a road test on a gasoline-engine-driven car are also reported. The performance of the modified engine-driven car was found satisfactory. The ceramic coating did not produce observable knock in the engine, no significant wear of piston skirts or cylinder liners was found. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.