Improvement of Multi-Layer Aluminum-Silicon-Tin Bearings for High Power Engines Through a Reinforced Intermediate Layer

The recent trend toward the compact and light-weight construction of automotive engines with high power output has been imposing higher requirements of fatigue strength, anti-seizure property and conformability on bearings. In order to meet these requirements, the authors analyzed the property of each layer of multi-layer Al-Si-Sn bearings and investigated its influence on bearing performance. Improvement was achieved as to the bearing alloy and the intermediate bonding layer based on the results of the investigation. As a result, this newly improved bearing has been concluded to provide better fatigue strength than conventional bearings. It has thus become possible to apply it as a bearing for the recent engines used under harsh conditions.