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A telemetry linkage system has been developed for piston temperature measurements in a direct-injection diesel engine. In parallel with the development of the telemetry linkage system, fast response thermocouples were installed at three piston locations - two on the bowl surface and one on the crown surface. A novel design was used to achieve electrical continuity between the piston and the connecting rod by means of a flexible steel strap pivoted on the piston skirt. The telemetry linkage system was then used to transport the electrical wires from the thermocouples to the external data acquisition system. A series of tests was run to determine the effects of location and load on piston surface temperatures. Surface temperature profiles varied substantially among the three locations, reflecting the differences in the combustion and heat flow characteristics of their surrounding regions.

An experimental technique termed the Instantaneous IMEP Method has been developed to measure piston and ring assembly friction. The technique requires very accurate measurements of cylinder pressure, connecting rod force and calculation of inertial forces. Friction force is the difference of these forces in consideration of the slider-crank geometry. A grasshopper linkage has been used to transmit the connecting rod force signal measured by a strain gage bridge. Inertial forces have been calculated with the assumption of distributed connecting rod mass. The test engine was a Chevrolet 5 litre V-8, modified for single cylinder operation. Piston and ring assembly friction has been determined under motoring conditions with and without compression as well as firing. Friction measurements have been made with SAE 30 and 50 grade oils at different temperatures. Boundary friction has been observed especially near top and bottom dead centers.