Piston-Ring Pack Friction Lubrication CFD Simulation

This module introduces mechanical engineering students to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis of lubrication and friction in a piston-ring pack system using ANSYS Fluent. The tutorial focuses on the simulation of fluid dynamics in narrow gaps with a simplified moving wall approach, providing insights into internal combustion engine efficiency.

Key aspects covered:

Introduction to piston-ring pack design and its role in engine lubrication and sealing
Importing a pre-made mesh of a simplified piston-ring pack geometry into ANSYS Fluent
Setting up moving wall boundary conditions to represent piston motion
Configuring ANSYS Fluent for thin-film lubrication analysis
Defining appropriate velocity for the moving wall using built-in ANSYS Fluent features
Running the simulation to analyze oil flow and pressure distribution in the piston-ring pack
Visualizing oil film thickness, pressure fields, and velocity profiles in the lubrication gaps
Analyzing friction forces and power losses due to fluid shear in the piston-ring pack
Examining the effects of wall velocity, oil viscosity, and geometry on lubrication performance
Introduction to concepts such as hydrodynamic lubrication and boundary lubrication

This tutorial provides practical experience in using ANSYS Fluent for moving wall problems in mechanical systems. Learners will gain insights into how lubricant behavior and wall motion influence friction and energy losses in engine-like environments.

The module emphasizes the application of CFD in analyzing engine components, an important area in mechanical engineering. This knowledge is valuable for understanding engine efficiency, improving fuel economy, and exploring ways to reduce friction losses.

The simulation skills acquired are applicable to various fields within mechanical engineering, including automotive engineering, tribology, and machinery design. This tutorial provides a foundation for understanding the relationship between fluid dynamics and moving surfaces, which is relevant in many engineering applications beyond internal combustion engines.