AusCGI is a research project funded by Knowledge Foundation which deals with improvement of triboligical performance of Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI).

Introduction

The conventional grey iron piston rings are being replaced by pearlitic CGI in modern large-bore heavy-fuel diesel engines due to the better mechanical properties compared to grey irons, combined with a higher thermal conductivity, tribological performance and machinability compared to ductile irons. Moreover, in recent decades, besides the high demands for enhancing the power output, durability, energy efficiency and sustainable transport, more strict regulations on fuel economy and low-emissions request in EU and US to extremely limit the sulphur content (from about 3.5% down to 0.1%) in heavy-fuels for all marine diesel engines latest by 2020. It has been observed that engine failure caused by scuffing and bore polishing issues will be even more crucial with introduction of low-sulphur fuels due to harsher tribological conditions.

Hence, the development of a new piston rings and cylinder liners with improved mechanical and tribological performance aimed particularly for high-pressure and temperature heavy-fuel marine diesel engines is an imperative demand for meeting upcoming emission regulations. The use of more durable material leads to a significant improvement to sustainability of diesel engines by preventing catastrophic failures and reducing the engine downtime and maintenance costs.

Purpose

The main purpose of this project is to develop a high-performance Austempered Compacted Graphite Iron (AusCGI) material with improved tribological properties compared to the conventional pearlitic CGI materials to increase durability and sustainability of the new generation of high-pressure environmentally friendly heavy-fuel diesel engines.

Expected results

Since the current and future solutions to improve mechanical and tribological properties of heavy-fuel marine diesel engine components are based on CGI materials, hence, a high performance AusCGI material will be developed in this project starting from the conventional pearlitic CGI with the goal to reach at least 10% improvement in wear resistance, and 10% reduction of friction in piston ring-cylinder liner assembly.

Collaboration partners

  • Federal Mogul AB, Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Bodycote AB, Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Quintus Technologies AB, Västerås, Sweden
  • Applied Nano-surfaces AB (ANS), Uppsala, Sweden
  • MAN Diesel Engine & Turbo (MDT), Copenhagen, Denmark

Project duration and financing

The project has been funded by Knowledge Foundation, Sweden within the ProSpekt 16 framework. It covers a 2-years postdoctoral programme, August 2017 - July 2019, in department of Materials and Manufacturing at the School of Engineering, Jönköping University. If you would like to know more about the project, please contact Dr. Rohollah Ghasemi.