The Performance Improvement of Aluminium Alloy Diesel Engine Pistons by Squeeze Casting

In the light of fuel economy and exhaust emission developments the paper considers three potential problem areas of the piston where existing gravity cast aluminium alloy technology is reaching its limit - combustion chamber, crosshole bosses and top ring location.

Squeeze casting, now in use in the series production of a heavy duty diesel piston provides the means of achieving attractive strength characteristics for aluminium alloy pistons, particularly when associated with ceramic fibre incorporation.

The paper examines the application of squeeze casting techniques to the three piston problem areas, presenting several novel designs with supporting analytical engine test data.