THERMAL MANAGEMENT IN ENGINE PISTONS: EFFECTS OF FIN TYPE AND SLOTTING

Abstract

Fins are crucial components used to enhance heat transfer between two fluids or between a solid and a fluid. These extended surfaces come in various forms, including angular, circular, and rectangular fins. In automotive engineering, the piston chamber is a critical component subjected to extreme thermal shocks and prone to thermal stresses. To mitigate these issues and improve engine performance, fins are incorporated to cool the cylinder. This study investigates the effects of rectangular and circular fins on temperature distribution and heat flux, with a focus on the impact of introducing slots in these fins. Using AUTODESK FUSION 360 for modeling and ANSYS WORKBENCH for meshing and post-processing, different fin geometries were analyzed. The results, represented through temperature and heat flux distribution plots, reveal that slotted circular fins with a higher fin thickness (3 mm) outperform other fin types in terms of thermal management. This preferred geometry provides superior cooling efficiency, making it a valuable design choice for enhancing engine performance