Cracking in Cast Iron Diesel Engine Cylinder Heads

Abstract

The nature and mechanism of cracking in cast iron diesel cylinder heads arising from the differential thermal strains which occur in service are reviewed. The results of experimental work with test apparatus simulating the conditions in a cylinder head are presented, illustrating the importance of controlling the boiling conditions of the water at the cooling face of the flame deck. It is concluded that cylinder head temperatures, and therefore the danger of cracking, can be successfully reduced by increasing the flow of cooling water over critical areas by some form of directed flow.