The RLTR is a simple representation of the motion between a piston ring and a cylinder liner.  In this case, the piston ring is instrumented and held stationary while the cylinder liner is reciprocated.  This apparatus is used to examine the forces at the contact between a piston ring segment and a cylinder liner segment.  Such a simplified test neglects piston secondary motion as well as combustion gas temperature and pressure but allows for the investigation of several variables affecting piston ring – cylinder liner friction.  Contact pressure, lubricant viscosity, piston speed, and surface finish can all be varied while friction force and fluid film thickness are measured.  Extensive testing with this apparatus has provided a better understanding of the fundamentals and aided in the development of our analytical models.

Components of the RLTR

Components of the RLTR

CAD model of piston ring holder

CAD model of the Reciprocating Liner Test Rig