Simulation and test-supported design procedure for highly stressed engine sliding bearings

Abstract

New technical developments such as downsizing in conjunction with an increase in peak pressure and engine speed are leading to higher loads on the crankshaft bearings and connecting rod bearings in internal combustion engines. As a result, there is a greater proportion of mixed friction conditions, which limits the durability of the bearings due to increased wear. A crucial key to a better understanding of the tribological conditions in the engine sliding bearing and their relevance for wear and failure criteria lies in the development of simulation techniques that allow the parameters that determine mixed friction conditions to be considered. By application of these simulation techniques, substantial cost savings in expensive test stand tests can be achieved before testing in the engine takes place by pre-selection of the bearing geometry and combinations of materials. The following presents a concept for sliding bearing design on the basis of a connecting rod bearing that was developed at the Institute for Mechanical Components and Construction Technology of the University of Kassel. It combines the advantages of simulation and experiment in a single procedure.