The Performance Improvement of Aluminium Alloy Diesel Engine Pistons by Squeeze Casting

<div class="htmlview paragraph">In the light of fuel economy and exhaust emission developments the paper considers three potential problem areas of the piston where existing gravity cast aluminium alloy technology is reaching its limit - combustion chamber, crosshole bosses and top ring location.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">Squeeze casting, now in use in the series production of a heavy duty diesel piston provides the means of achieving attractive strength characteristics for aluminium alloy pistons, particularly when associated with ceramic fibre incorporation.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">The paper examines the application of squeeze casting techniques to the three piston problem areas, presenting several novel designs with supporting analytical engine test data.</div>