Avoiding Cavitation on Wet Cylinder Liners of Heavy Duty Diesel Engines by Parameter Changes

On wet cylinder liners of heavy duty Diesel engines cavitation can cause considerable damages. Under specific conditions in fast-running Diesel engines the cylinder liner excitation can lead to high local vibration velocities resulting in high pressure changes in the coolant. Cavitation effects can occur when the coolant pressure falls below the vaporisation pressure.

In this paper the principles of the measurement method and the technique to detect cavitation will be explained. Special engine operating programs to measure cavitation will be illustrated. Measurement results of engine operating factors influencing the cavitation process will be shown as well as additional cavitation measurement results for different piston concepts. The best concepts to avoid cavitation damages are summarized.