| The development of a model for the study of diesel engine cylinder liner vibrations is presented. The procedure developed provides an analysis tool for addressing the cavitation erosion problem that occurs on the outer surface of cylinder liners. The modeling approach is based on the finite element method and includes the cylinder liner and the surrounding coolant using a fluid-structure interface between the two. The coolant on the outside of the liner has a large effect on the motion of the liner, therefore the structural problem and fluid problem cannot be decoupled.;Experimental studies were carried out in conjunction with the finite element model development to verify the numerical procedure. A modal analysis provides understanding of cylinder liner vibrations and the effect of the o-ring seals and the surrounding coolant on the liner motion. Data obtained in the time domain were used to determine damping coefficients for the liner, o-rings and water as well as the stiffness coefficient for the o-rings.;Application of the model demonstrate how pressures are generated and propagate through the cooling medium. The studies provide a better understanding of how and where on the liner surface the pressure in the water jacket can drop below the vapor pressure and thus cause cavitation. Parametric studies demonstrate design alternatives for reducing the minimum pressures that cause cavitation. |
