Fuel Economy - Its influence on Diesel Piston Design Features

The piston has a major role to play in the many aspects of fuel economy development being undertaken in the diesel engine industry. Relative to this work a range of piston features are discussed and several new ideas for improved performance introduced. Some of these features include combusion bowl reinforcement, high top rings, crown insulation and skirt friction. The squeeze casting process is shown to offer potential for improved strength and new design concepts and a novel relieved area low friction skirt configuration is presented.