STRUCTURAL AND THERMAL ANALYSIS OF FINNED SURFACE OF AN IC ENGINE USING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

In the thermal analysis of engine cylinders, fins are strategically placed on the cylinder surface to enhance heat transfer through convection. Understanding the dissipation of heat from the engine cylinder via fins, as well as the stresses induced by temperature and pressure, is crucial for effective design and performance optimization. Previous literature surveys have indicated that Finite Element Method (FEM) analyses have been employed to study stresses and strains in engine components under individual conditions of pressure or temperature. However, in practical scenarios, engine chambers experience simultaneous temperature and pressure conditions. Therefore, it becomes imperative to investigate the deformations and stresses in the engine due to these combined effects to gain a comprehensive understanding and enable effective engine design, especially when integrating finned surfaces. This project considers several materials commonly used for engine blocks and extended surfaces, including aluminum 6061 alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, and gray cast iron. The components are designed using CATIA V5 software, and analysis is conducted using ANSYS Workbench. The maximum operational conditions applied include an engine temperature of 600°C and a pressure of 2.068 MPa. Through FEM analysis, it has been determined that aluminum 6061 alloy demonstrates favorable results in both structural integrity and thermal heat dissipation when compared to the other materials studied. This finding underscores the material's suitability for withstanding the combined effects of high temperature and pressure within the engine chamber while effectively managing heat transfer through the finned surfaces. By leveraging these analytical tools and insights, engineers can make informed decisions regarding material selection and design optimization, ultimately contributing to the efficiency, reliability, and performance of engine systems in various operational conditions.