Design Development of Gasoline Engine Piston Assemblies for the Nineties

This paper examines briefly the needs of engine designers and manufacturers world wide and then addresses the contributions which can be made by re-designing the piston assembly. Concentrating mainly on reductions in mass and friction, design changes are described which have brought considerable impovement without compromising piston assembly design integrity. Many of the design changes discussed have now entered volume production, and some indications of future design trends are given. Future developments will concentrate upon manufacturing optimisation for enhanced quality and cost effectiveness, as well as continuing to address all product performance rquirements of engine manufacturers worldwide.