Compression Brake Master Piston Assembly: A Cost Effective Use of a Structural Ceramic to Reduce Sliding Wear in Heavy Duty Diesel Engines

A master piston assembly has been developed for a heavy duty diesel engine compression brake to reduce sliding wear at an oil lubricated bearing steel counterface. The assembly, consisting of a medium carbon steel piston body and mechanically retained silicon nitride ceramic pad, is an economical alternative to a one piece tool steel piston.