Effects of Film Temperature on Piston-Ring Lubrication for Refrigeration Compressors Considering Surface Roughness

Abstract

This paper describes a theoretical model for piston-ring lubrication considering the combined effects of surface roughness and oil film temperature variation for refrigeration compressors. In the model, the piston-ring is treated as a one-dimensional dynamically loaded bearing with combined sliding and squeezing motion. The one-dimensional modified Reynolds equation, based on the average flow model by Patir and Cheng, is used to determine the pressure distribution, and the one-dimensional energy equation, considering the heat generated due to contact of asperities, is applied to calculate the oil film temperature distribution. In the analysis of the modified Reynolds equation, the flooded condition and Reynolds condition are employed at the leading edge and trailing edge of piston-ring, respectively. On the other hand, in the analysis of the modified energy equation, a constant temperature equivalent to the cylinder wall temperature is assumed at the leading edge. From numerical results of the minimum film thickness, pressure and temperature distributions and friction force, the combined effects of surface roughness and oil film temperature variation on these lubrication characteristics are clarified.