Evaluation and silicon nitride internal combustion engine components. Final report, Phase I

Technical Report · Wed Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10191276· OSTI ID:10191276

Voldrich, W ^[1]

---

1. Allied-Signal Aerospace Co., Torrance, CA (United States). Garrett Ceramic Components Div.

The feasibility of silicon nitride (Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}) use in internal combustion engines was studied by testing three different components for wear resistance and lower reciprocating mass. The information obtained from these preliminary spin rig and engine tests indicates several design changes are necessary to survive high-stress engine applications. The three silicon nitride components tested were valve spring retainers, tappet rollers, and fuel pump push rod ends. Garrett Ceramic Components` gas-pressure sinterable Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} (GS-44) was used to fabricate the above components. Components were final machined from densified blanks that had been green formed by isostatic pressing of GS-44 granules. Spin rig testing of the valve spring retainers indicated that these Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} components could survive at high RPM levels (9,500) when teamed with silicon nitride valves and lower spring tension than standard titanium components. Silicon nitride tappet rollers showed no wear on roller O.D. or I.D. surfaces, steel axles and lifters; however, due to the uncrowned design of these particular rollers the cam lobes indicated wear after spin rig testing. Fuel pump push rod ends were successful at reducing wear on the cam lobe and rod end when tested on spin rigs and in real-world race applications.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States); Allied-Signal Aerospace Co., Torrance, CA (United States). Garrett Ceramic Components Div.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 10191276
• Report Number(s): ORNL/Sub--89-SE500/1; ON: DE93003628
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330100
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360201
360203
AUTOMOTIVE ACCESSORIES
CERAMICS
EVALUATION
FABRICATION
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
MACHINING
MATERIALS
MATERIALS TESTING
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
PREPARATION AND FABRICATION
PROGRESS REPORT
PUMPS
SILICON NITRIDES
VALVES
WEAR RESISTANCE