Multiscale tribological modelling of a novel sliding cam transmission system for internal combustion engines

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Internal combustion engine transmission systems rely on pistons, crankshafts, and gearboxes to provide power from the combustion chamber to the axels. These machine components have been optimised thoroughly and are widely used industrially for a range of products, however different configurations of the transmission system have the potential to provide significant improvements in terms of energy efficiency and emissions reduction. This project intends to explore a novel transmission system for IC engines in collaboration with project partners G-Drill based in Greece. Their innovative concept aims to improve performance by replacement of a conventional transmission system with a sliding cam interface located directly between the combustor and gearbox. This creates several tribological challenges for the lubricated interfaces of such a device which need further investigation. New modelling approaches are also needed to bridge the gap between current capabilities and this innovative design concept.Aim: To investigate the multiscale tribological performance of a novel sliding cam transmission system by developing a multiscale model of the lubricated interfaces and comparing efficiency versus conventional internal combustion engines.Objectives: 1. Simulate the lubricated interfaces of a novel sliding cam transmission system using single scale computational methods. 2. Expand the simulation approach to incorporate multiscale phenomena such as the presence of surface features and asperity contact. 3. Determine the tribological system performance of the sliding cam system and compare efficiencies versus conventional designs. 4. Validate findings by collaborating with project partners to align simulation development with concurrent experimentation.