Abstract
This paper describes the formulation of a one dimensional modified Reynolds equation for lubrication between the piston ring and cylinder wall of motorcycle engines. Numerical solutions for oil film pressure and oil film thickness are calculated by using finite difference methods. The Non-Newtonian lubricant is engine auto lube oil mixed with polyisobutylene to improve its viscosity index.
The test motorcycle engine was driven by a 7.5 kw electric motor on the test rig. Pressure transducers, thermocouple and gap sensors were mounted in the cylinder wall.
The experimental results show that the nonlinear factor of a Non-Newtonian lubricant had a significant effect on pressure distribution and oil film thickness.