Thermal Effect on the Automobile Piston: A Review

Background/Objectives: Mechanical and thermal properties of aluminum-based piston alloys are mainly depend on the heat treatment. Conventional heat treatment techniques are also not resulted to that level where it can be used for piston of downsized engine. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Around 30 papers were reviewed to understand the thermal effects and consequences on the Al Si piston alloy. Findings: From the literature it can be understood that two-step solution treatment of the Al Si alloy resulted the good mechanical properties then the single step solution treatment. Heat treatment at 540°C for 8 h and aging at 190°C for 8 h is correctly choice to achieve optimum mechanical properties by heat treatment. To calculate the temperature effect and heat transfer to the engine piston crown, the spatial and time averaged combustion side boundary condition is a most favorable and suitable treatment method within engineering approximations. For temperature and thermal stress distributions for a coated surface piston crown, the coating surface temperature increased with coating thickness by decreasing rate and the best results are at 1 mm coating. Application/Improvements: The coated piston has low thermal conductivity then the uncoated piston.