Ceramic Particle Reinforced Camshaft Lobes: A Performance Evaluation and Comparative Analysis


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Cerit A. A., Nair F., Zafar H. M. N.

Gazi University Journal of Science PART C: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY, vol.12, no.1, pp.297-307, 2024 (Peer-Reviewed Journal) identifier

Abstract

Ceramic reinforced metal matrix composite (CMMC) lobes in engines could improve fuel efficiency and wear resistance compared to traditional steel lobes but require absolute evaluation. However, ensuring safe CMMC cam operation demands extensive wear testing, mimicking realworld conditions over longer durations instead of limited lab evaluations. This study is an extension of the previously reported feasibility analysis of the ceramic particle reinforced Al matrix composite lobes. The performance of the best selected (Al + 20, 30 vol. % SiC(2µm)) composites for wear durations of 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 15 h is reported with various combinations of pressures and compared with the reference lobes. Results showed that the higher content of ceramic particles improved the wear resistance, however, the influence diminished at larger durations due to surface hardening of the composites. The wear performance of the composite (Al + 30 vol.% SiC) reached 73% of the conventional cams but it also caused significant wear in the counterface due to initiation of three-body-wear by the dislodged ceramic particles.