Evolution of Materials for Internal Combustion Engines Pistons

Abstract

Piston is one of the most important components in an internal combustion engine which transfers combustion energy to the crankshaft via a connecting rod. Increase in an engine’s efficiency has somehow necessitated improvement in the piston. This improvement can be achieved by better piston design or using material with superior mechanical properties. Engineers have experimented with different materials for pistons since the introduction of internal combustion engines. This paper reviews the evolution of materials for pistons since the beginning of automotive industry to present day and analyses the properties that attracted engineers to use these materials. The paper also focuses on newly developed materials that have the potentials to replace current piston materials and the work that is taking place. The current trend of changing from diesel to petrol in small internal combustion engines and the affect this will have on piston materials has been analysed. Keywords: Aluminium, Combustion Engine, Nanostructured, Piston Material, Piston.