Modeling and Analysis of an IC Engine Piston by CAD Modeling, Static and Thermal Analysis

Abstract

In an Internal Combustion Engine, Piston is one of the major parts of the combustion cycle. In the Process of increasing efficiency and power of the engine, thermal and static loads on the piston increases resulting in reliability issues and breakdown of component before the completion of its life cycle. Pistons need to be light in weight so that we don’t have to use a lot of counter weight on the crank shaft to balance it and so, keep the engine weight to minimum. Also, a heavier piston will generate lot more vibrations than a lighter one. One more factor to be considered is the Thermal Expansion of the material, since to improve efficiency the tolerance space between the cylinder wall and piston should be minimal. But at the same time, we need to ensure that the piston is thermally sound and strong enough to withstand the loads. This paper discusses about the thermal loads and statics stress applied on the piston during the power stroke using four different materials chosen on the basis of strength, density, Thermal Conductivity. The parameters for the simulation are combustion cylinder pressure, temperature and material properties of piston. Analysis is performed using Autodesk Fusion 360. The results are used to develop a trade-off between the material selected for piston.