Hydrodynamic optimization of the Tribological System Piston-Ring-Liner in Reciprocating Compressors

Mechanical friction losses in reciprocating machines amount to approximately 60% in the tribological system 'piston-ring-l iner'.Improvements by proper design of the ring profile can contribute to optimize this tribological system.To improve hydrodynamic lubrication conditions in the piston-ring-1 iner assembly with regard to frictional losses and prevention of wear, sliding profiles must be optimized.Theoretical and experimental results concerning various ring profiles are compared for steady state and nonsteady state conditions.In both cases good correlationship between theoretical and experimental results c•an be stated.In order to optimize piston ring profiles with regard to smallest friction losses and highest load capacity the application of the developed simulation programs can be useful.By this means a prediction of reduced energy losses and prevention of wear can be made.