Know All About The Piston Rings Usage in An Engine Cylinder

Posted by Grindlays Engine Parts on November 21st, 2018

Most of us who have been using automobiles would have heard about the internal combustion engines used in our vehicles carry some vital parts such as a piston, cylinder and so on.  Also, these engine parts include some smaller parts like piston pin etc. Besides these critical parts, the rings used on the piston have few important functions, which are briefed in this short write up. Read on to find some facts and functions of these rings which play a vital part in making the engine cylinder to work efficiently in the automobile engines.

Basics of piston: Before discussing the roles of the rings used in the piston, let us know some basics about the piston, which is one of the main parts of an Internal Combustion (IC) engine used in cars, trucks, bikes, etc. A piston is a moving part of the engine which can able to produce the power when the fuel is burnt inside the cylinder of the engine.

Why are PRs used? : As per design, the piston is not in contact with the cylinder wall since it can increase the friction which otherwise may ruin the engine over a period of time, irrespective of using high-quality lubrication items. To overcome this issue, piston rings (PRs) are used in order to bridge the cylinder wall and the piston.

Types of PRs: In general, rings on the piston are classified as a top ring, second ring, and oil ring. Each of them varies in their shapes and hence have different functionalities. Here where the piston ring comes into play.  These rings have a shape which can be expandable and are made according to the materials used for the piston. Read on to find some functionalities of these various rings used in the piston.

Top ring:  This is known as a compression ring, and it functions under the harshest heat conditions with reference to the mechanical and thermal loading. It forms a perfect and gas-tight barrier between the cylinder wall and the piston and thereby seals the entire chamber. To some extent, this ring also transfers the heat to the cooled chamber wall like a bridge.

Second Ring:  Known as the lower combustion ring, it works along with the top ring in sealing the chamber as well as transfer the heat to the chamber walls. It also helps the oil control ring in controlling the oil combustion.

Oil Ring: This ring is used to regulate and check oil consumption. It removes the excess oil from the chamber walls and sends back to the crankcase. This ring is designed to offer a thin oil film to ensure piston and ring lubrication.

Design aspects: The design of the piston ring is determined by the material of the cylinder as well as the contact pressure. The space between the cylinder wall and the piston is also considered important while choosing the its material. As per experts, the pressure depends on few factors like the elasticity of its material and its impact on the various combustion gases.

In short, a piston ring is a part of an engine part located at the head of the piston and in combination with other rings; it helps to perfectly seal the combustion chamber as well contribute to absorbing the heat and prevents oil leakage into the cylinder.