Modeling of Piston-Cylinder Lubrication with a Flexible Skirt and Cylinder Wall

This paper demonstrates the effect of elastic deformation of the cylinder wall on the lubrication between the skirt and cylinder with simulation results of two realistic examples. The simulation methodology is described.

Cylinder flexibility caused substantial changes in slap motion, average and peak wear loads on the skirt, friction, and power losses due to asperity contact and hydrodynamic friction. Cylinder deflection due to side loads was about ten percent of the skirt deflection due to side loads, and deformation due to cylinder gas pressure was substantial.