A Modern Approach to Piston Ring−Bore Assembly Wear Determination

The addition of the radiotracer method of wear measurement to the tools available to the development engineer is a great aid, but not a pancea. Its use in conjunction with the conventional approaches can expedite development testing. If the test techniques are properly selected and combined, the ultimate answer can be partially predicted, alternatives screened, and backup engine tests made in a smooth flowing test sequence. Data from two unrelated product development programs are given as illustration. Indications are that piston ring wear predictability can be measurably improved.