Heat Transfer and Stress Analyses of Engine Heads and Evaluation of Methods of Preventing Head Cracks

The problem of engine head thermal stresses which may cause its cracking is discussed in both quantitative terms and in the methods of crack circumvention. It is pointed out that in the present state of the art only scarce knowledge exists on thermal boundary conditions in both the combustion chamber and in the coolant side. Effective relieving schemes include cylinders decoupling and introduction of thermal barriers. The need is pointed out for further research in augmentation of heat transfer schemes on the coolant side.