Wear Resistance Mapping for High Performance Valvetrain Alloys

Engine dynamometer test is very expansive and time consuming for any OEMs thus only limited number of dynamometer tests can be performed during an engine development. Therefore, the initial selection of materials pairs for valve train components design is preferably based upon standard lab wear testing results. LEJ Plint wear testing procedure/method has been specifically developed for evaluation of engine component wear resistance conforming with ASTM Standard G133. A substantial number of LEJ Plint tests have been completed and assisted many new engine developments for medium and heady-duty engine industries during the last two decades.

For engine valvetrain components applications such valve seat insert (VSI), valve, and valve guide, the wear behavior of materials pairs is primarily a function of temperature, pressure, and lubrication. For valve and VSI materials pair, the primary parameters affecting valve/VSI matching wear behavior are service temperature and contact pressure. To establish a database of wear resistance mapping for specific matching materials can be a significant tool to enhance valvetrain design engineer capability during initial selection of valvetrain materials pairs. The concept of database development and actual examples in the presentation are provided.