Investigation on engine performance test on compression ignition engine with hybrid metal matrix composite piston

Abstract

The increase in demand and introduction of stringent emission regulations resulted in the need to develop and implement innovative technologies towards improving the emission and performance characteristics of compression ignition engines. A hybrid metal matrix composite piston (HMMC) of Al7075 reinforced with 6% of 100 ?m Silicon Carbide (SiC) and 4% of 100 ?m Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) was fabricated. The HMMC piston was mounted on a compression ignition (CI) four stroke single-cylinder constant speed engine and the test was carried out with eddy current dynamometer attached with computerized data acquisition system. This paper is focused on the study of performance of Al7075-SiC-Alumina composite piston for compression ignition engine application. Experimental investigations were performed at injection pressure of 200 and 220 bar on both standard piston and HMMC piston and analysed the performance, combustion and emission behaviour of CI engine. From the results it was found that the HMMC piston exhibits an improved efficiency and thereby improving the lifetime of the engine. Though a little compromise in performance and emissions has been accepted, the implementation of HMMC pistons will reduce the carbon foot print of running an internal combustion engine.