Optimization of post-treatment honing parameters of laser textured engine cylinder bore and engine performance

Abstract

Honing is an abrasive superfinishing process essential for the cylinder bore/piston tribology, which in its turn affects the engine performance. This research article conducted post-treatment honing of the engine cylinder bore to remove slags produced by the laser surface texturing, reduce engine running-in time, and avoid abrasive wear. Optimization of the post-processing honing processing parameters by five factors and two levels of the orthogonal method was conducted to determine the suitable post-treatment honing parameters. Secondly, engine reverse dragging and bench tests were also performed with three different post-treated honed engines to explore the engine mechanical loss and fuel consumption. The engine dragging and bench test indicates that the two post-treated honed engines exhibited lower friction power, drag torque and fuel consumption than the standard engine. The post-treated honed engine 2 exhibited the best performance by reducing the reverse drag power and torque by 7.84 % and 7.69 %, respectively, when the engine speed was 1500 rpm. The curve of engine fuel consumption characteristics showed that both engine 1 and engine 2 significantly reduced the fuel consumption by 13 % and 15 % respectively, compared to the standard engine. The findings of this research will provide a further reference for the development of cylinder bores for improved engine efficiency.