Energy efficiency optimization of engine by frictional reduction of functional surfaces of cylinder ring–pack system

Friction reduction, lower oil consumption, and limitation of greenhouse gases emissions are the chief objectives of the automotive industry in order to improve the environmental efficiency of vehicle engines. In this paper, a strategy for ring–pack friction reduction through cylinder liner finish optimization based on coupling instrumented honing experiments and numerical prediction of elastohydrodynamic friction is proposed. The results show that honed surfaces produced by fine abrasion by honing stones yield the optimal elastohydrodynamic friction. They also demonstrate the limitations of ISO 13565 standard roughness parameters in giving a complete description of the functional performances of cylinder surface finishes. ► We propose the optimization of the triplet honing process—honed surface—friction. ► We develop a numerical model to predict friction of the cylinder ring–pack system. ► Honed surfaces produced by fine abrasion yield the optimal hydrodynamic friction. ► ISO 13565 parameters not characterize the functional performances of honed surface.