A Spherical Joint Piston Design for High Speed Diesel Engines

A spherical joint piston and connecting rod have been developed through design proof-of-concept. The spherical joint allows piston rotation. The benefits of a rotating, symmetrical piston are: mechanical and thermal load symmetry, improved ring sealing and lubrication, and reduced bearing loads, scuffing, clearances and oil consumption.

The assembly includes a squeeze cast, fiber reinforced aluminum spherical joint piston. Reinforcement is located in the piston bowl and skirt. The connecting rod consists of a spherical small end positioned on an elliptical cross-sectioned shank blended into a conventional big end. The assembly has operated at cylinder pressures exceeding of 24 MPa.