Thermal conductivity in aluminum cylinder heads: process optimization

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In recent years, there has been heightened interest in the use of light alloys for automotive applications. Increased fuel costs and government legislation on carbon emissions has pushed automobile manufacturers to produce lighter and more fuel efficient automobiles. The use of aluminum alloy automotive components, such as cylinder heads, greatly reduces vehicle weight, making them more fuel efficient. The cylinder head is an integral component of internal combustion engines. It conveys air and gasoline to the combustion chamber and serves as a cover for the cylinders. The cylinder head can support the high combustion temperatures only with efficient cooling. When a material is heated unevenly, thermal stresses result and these stresses can reduce the lifetime of engines or even cause failures. A material with high thermal conductivity results in a lower and more even temperature distribution in the engine and reduces thermal stresses and fatigue. The proposed research project aims, through collaboration between the partner and the innovative expertise of the researchers, to establish the procedures that will result in optimized thermal conductivity and mechanical properties, improved process efficiency and reduced costs. The significant benefits include increase of the cylinder head life and reduction of carbon emissions.