compacted_graphite_iron_for_diesel.pdf

Congrès Le diesel : aujourd’hui et demain – Page 1 sur 11 Ecole centrale Lyon – 12 et 13 mai 2004 Compacted Graphite Iron for Diesel Engine Cylinder Blocks Wilson Luiz Guesser, Dr Eng - Tupy Fundi??es and UDESC - Joinville, SC – Brazil – wguesser@.br Pedro Ventrela Duran, M Sc - Tupy Fundi??es - Joinville, SC – Brazil – duran@.br Walmor Krause, M Sc - Tupy Fundi??es - Joinville, SC – Brazil – walmork@.br Abstract The recent trends in diesel engines are discussed, and also the consequences in materials selection for engine cylinder blocks. The increasing demand for higher specific power and the need for weight reduction and decrease of emissions require the use of stronger materials for cylinder blocks, opening a promising space for compacted graphite iron (CGI). The properties of CGI are described, in particular those required for engine cylinder blocks (fatigue strength and elastic modulus). Results of mechanical properties from actual castings are presented. As a result of the mechanical properties improvement, some design opportunities are suggested, in order to decrease the weight of the cylinder block. Keywords diesel engines, compacted graphite iron, cylinder blocks 1. Introduction: In a recent paper discussing CGI uses for engine cylinder blocks and heads, S. Dawson (2001) stated that “the Iron Age is just beginning” and we have taken this statement for the present paper. His point of view, added to those from Rizzo (2001), discloses the enormous CGI potential for manufacturing engine components, especially for diesel engines. The growth of diesel engines usage for passenger cars has been remarkable in Europe (see Fig. 1), especially after the introduction of the high-pressure common-rail technology (Buchholz, 2003). This growth is surrounded by requirements as: less fuel consumption, emissions reduction , larger power output and torque, and for passenger cars more compact engines are being required due to space limitations. Improved performance, as operation