Analysis of Three-Dimensional Distortions of the Piston Rings with Arbitrary Cross-Section

With consideration of the importance (for oil passing and blow-by) of the issue of three-dimensional deformation of piston rings in a cylinder due to either installation stress, or operational gas, friction, and thermal loads the subject of piston ring distortions still generates continuing interest.

The current paper demonstrates application of a mathematical model developed in the former works of the authors for analysis of the distortions of arbitrary cross-section rings loaded by tangential force. Applications of the model to the several typical cross-sections are given for illustration.

The work is a necessary step for the development of a comprehensive three-dimensional theory of piston ring installation and operational distortions. Based on this theory and several other related works on the subject, the various engineering optimizations including an upgraded analysis of the piston rings conformability, with consideration of both Young and shear moduli is the ultimate objective of this work.