The Effects of Ceramic Port Insulation on Cylinder Head Performance in a Diesel Engine

A grey cast iron cylinder head with cast-in ceramic port liners has been fabricated. A finite element analysis of the cylinder head predicted a significant reduction in metal temperatures using ceramic port insulation. Sequential single cylinder engine tests of uninsulated and port insulated cylinder heads confirmed the temperature predictions. A comparison of engine performance data showed that the gross indicated specific fuel consumption (GISFC) was significantly reduced with the port insulation.