Starved lubrication analysis for the top ring and cylinder liner of a two-stroke marine diesel engine considering the thermal effect of friction

The thermal effect of friction plays an important role in friction pairs working under heavy load and starved lubrication conditions, such as the piston ring and cylinder liner (PRCL) system of two-stroke marine diesel engines. Friction heat will degrade the lubrication and increase the scuffing risk. In this study, considering the thermal effect of friction, the tribological characteristics of the top ring and cylinder liner of a two-stroke marine diesel engine under starved lubrication are studied. It is found that the temperature rise due to friction is significant and has a strong influence on the tribological characteristics of the PRCL system. Moreover, based on the orthogonal test method, the effects of groove textures under different oil supplies are also explored. Only well-designed groove textures can reduce friction and wear at the same time.