Friction Power Loss Simulation of Internal Combustion Engines Considering Mixed Lubricated Radial Slider, Axial Slider and Piston to Liner Contacts

Different types of mixed lubricated contacts are present in internal combustion engines. These are several radial slider bearings; for instance, in main bearings; big end, small end, and piston pin bearings; as well as axial slider bearings and piston–liner contacts. Phenomena such as friction power loss and wear as well as acoustic excitation and oil consumption of the overall lubrication system are mainly affected by these contacts. Therefore, the simulation-based investigation of oil film–lubricated contacts is important during the development process of internal combustion engines. Due to the highly nonlinear interactions, the applied mathematical models have to consider the dynamics of the overall flexible body system in addition to the detailed properties of the contacts and the lubricant itself. This work outlines both the theory of the separated mathematical models and their coupling. The large number of nonlinear contacts, which is possible to consider when applying the presented coupling approach, is emphasized. Furthermore, application of a friction power loss analysis for an in-line four-cylinder internal combustion engine is described.