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Weight-Optimized Bushingless Connecting Rods: Improving the Tribological Performance of a Gudgeon Pin/Connecting Rod System by Using the Triboconditioning® Process



Author(s)

Jonas Lundmark¹, Boris Zhmud¹, Boris Brodmann², Dietmar Schorr³ and Urban Morawitz⁴

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DOI:10.17265/2161-6213/2017.1-2.004

1. Applied Nano Surfaces Sweden AB, Uppsala SE-75323, Sweden
2. OptoSurf GmbH, Ettlingen D-76275, Germany
3. Steinbeis Transfer Center Tribology, Karlsruhe D-76133, Germany
4. Ford Motor Company, Cologne D-50735, Germany

The risk of failures associated with a distressed pin/connecting rod bearing contact without forced pin oiling is exaggerated due to ever increasing power density and torque output of modern TSI (turbocharged straight injection) and TDI (turbocharged direct injection) engines, in combination with the introduction of low-viscosity low-SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorus, sulfur) lubricants and general engine downsizing resulting in fewer cylinders to bear the load. This forces OEMs (original equipment manufacturer) to look for innovative cost-efficient solutions to promote bushingless connecting rods without impacting reliability. One such solution is the Triboconditioning® process. Triboconditioning is an industrial surface finishing process which attempts to carry out running-in of components during their manufacture. The present paper provides an in-depth analysis of the tribological effects of Triboconditioning® on the pin/conrod contact.

Triboconditioning, mechanochemical finishing, connecting rod, wear, tribology.