| Abstract: | In situ observations of variations in the lubrication conditions between a piston pin and a pin boss in a real automotive engine block operating under low rotational speeds, such as during activation of the engine, were carried out by measuring the echo height detected by an ultrasonic probe installed into the cylindrical piston pin. It was possible to estimate the oil film thickness directly within an accuracy of 1 µm by the echo height ratio reflected from the piston pin surface. The amplitude of the reflected wave (echo height) under the condition including an air bubble was higher than that without an air bubble, and the phase of the wave approached that of the dry condition. It thus became possible to detect cavitation between the piston pin and the pin boss. In particular, cavitations were continuously observed at the anti‐thrust side in the upstroke under 300 rpm operation. However, it was at least clarified that the lubrication condition in the thrust side of the piston pin supporting a load under a stable condition was sufficient to maintain safe operation, since a continuous oil film without a cavity was formed at the thrust side even for a low rotational speed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
