Piston Ring Design/Materials
I.D. # 86009 Duration 2 Days
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the factors in the cylinder kit assembly of natural gas, gasoline, and diesel engines that affect oil consumption, ring and cylinder bore wear, and blow-by. This course includes background and the evolution of designs and materials currently employed in modern engines as well as providing an overview of computer models, designs, and material systems that can be utilized to optimize the performance of new engines. An overview of the trends in materials and designs employed in U.S., European and Japanese engines will be presented.
Learning Objectives
By attending this seminar, you will be able to:
  • Describe the function of each ring and its interaction with other components within the cylinder kit to provide oil consumption and blow-by control
  • Identify available computer models and instrumentation that is available to predict and measure the function of each of the components in the cylinder kit on oil consumption and blow-by control
  • Compare the base systems and facing material systems and the trade-offs associated with each of the material systems, i.e., wear rate, scuff resistance, etc.
Who Should Attend
If you are an engineer associated with engine design and development and interested in understanding the function and design considerations within the cylinder kit system, you would benefit from attending.
Prerequisites
Participants should have an undergraduate engineering degree and some exposure to piston ring design and materials.
Seminar Content
  • Background
    • Evolution of piston ring designs/materials -- diesel engines
    • Evolution of piston ring designs/materials -- gasoline engines
  • Outline of Nomenclature & Ring Design Methodology, including Referencing to Various Published Standards i.e. -- SAE, DIN, ISO
  • Systems Parameters & Their Interaction with Piston Rings to Cause Variations in Performance
    • Cylinder bore geometry
    • Cylinder bore finish
    • Piston design
    • Power density
    • Operating speed
    • Engine lubricants
  • Typical Procedures/Equipment Employed to Measure Dimension Properties of Piston Rings
  • Developed Models Aiding in Cylinder Kit Design
  • Determining the Effect of Design Parameters on Oil Consumption, Ring Function, Cylinder Bore Distortion, Friction & Wear Rates -- Unique test set-up procedures and their utilization
Instructor(s): Harold E. McCormick
Harold McCormick is currently President of C-K Engineering Inc., an engineering firm specializing in providing analysis instrumentation gauging and other consulting services for engine and lubricant manufacturers. He was formerly Director of Engineering, Ramsey Plant TRW-Valve Division, with ongoing responsibility for research and product engineering. He has also completed 57 graduate hours in Applied Mechanics and Metallurgy at St. Louis University. His experience has involved directing substantial work to develop models/test procedures and test fixtures that can be utilized to predict wear in severe wear applications such as piston rings, engine exhaust and valve seats as well as severe dry sliding wear applications. He holds more than 40 U.S. patents and has authored or coauthored numerous technical papers for the SAE International as well as other automotive engineering organizations. Mr. McCormick holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Missouri-Rolla and an M.B.A. from St. Louis University.
Testimonial
"This was an invaluable opportunity to interact with one of the acknowledged masters of piston ring technology."
Russ McDonald
Senior Design Engineer
Chrysler - STE

"An excellent overview of what can be accomplished with an organized and scientific approach to ring design."
Joe Abt
Director of Engineering
Campbell Group

"A very widespread background into piston/ring design and materials."
Tyson Stewart
Associate Engineer
Ricardo, Inc.

"This is an excellent course. I have recently started working on ring modeling and it will definitely shorten my learning curve."
Andreas Panayi
Research Assistant
Michigan State University

"Excellent instructor. His level of knowledge is very impressive."
Shohei Nomura
Engineer
Toyota

"I was amazed by Harold's knowledge in this area."
Wei Liu
P.E.
Toyota Technical Center

"The instructor provided a valuable lifetime of knowledge in piston ring technology."
Gary Nebel
Sr. Product Engineer
Federal-Mogul

Fees: $1225 SAE Members*: $980 - $1103
* The appropriate SAE Member discount will be applied through the Registration process.  Discounts vary according to level of membership: Elite Member 20%; Premium Member 15%; Classic Member 10%
CEU 1.3