Title: The effect of thin ceramic coatings on petrol engine performance and emissions

Authors: D.N. Assanis

Addresses: Associate Professor, Automotive Systems Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA

Abstract: An experimental study of the effects of thin ceramic coatings on the performance and emissions of a spark-ignited petrol engine was conducted. A modified 2.5 litre GM engine with ceramic-coated pistons, liners, head, valves and ports was used. Experimental results obtained from the ceramic engine were compared with baseline metal engine data. It was shown that at low-speed, part-load conditions encountered in typical driving cycles, the ceramic engine could achieve up to 18% higher brake power and 5% lower specific fuel consumption. The ceramic coating did not produce any observable knock in the engine and showed no significant wear during testing. It was concluded that judicious application of thin ceramic coatings to petrol engines could be a useful means for improving performance and fuel economy.

Keywords: engine components; component design; fuel economy; insulated engines; petrol engines; gasoline engines; engine performance; engine emissions; thin coatings; ceramic coatings; spark-ignition engines; vehicle emissions; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1992.061733

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1992 Vol.13 No.4, pp.378 - 387

Published online: 27 May 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article