Traditional main bearing construction is based on a three-layer bearing made of a steel backing, a hard mid layer and a thin overlay of a soft material.
The bi-metal bearing is constructed of only two layers, consisting of a steel backing with an inlay of an aluminium alloy. Typical bearing materials used in the construction of bi-metal bearings are a combination of the following materials: Tin, silicon, lead, copper and aluminium. The bearing Read more…
In previous articles on advanced metals, we have looked at a number of materials currently used in motorsport and some which are just starting to be used. In this article, we will look at a material which has, at times, been held up as a ‘wonder-material’ and at other times almost completely neglected when we consider engine design. Despite this it has been widely used in racing engines for structural and reciprocating parts, and is commonly found on many road vehicles. It is Magnesium to which I refer, and in this article we will look at the various applications for which it has been Read more…
There are a number of coating companies offering thermal barrier coatings, and some claim that internal combustion engine valves are an ideal candidate for these types of coatings. There are many whose advertisements target the racing community in particular.
The coatings that these companies offer are generally quite thin ceramic coatings which offer very low thermal conductivity compared to the valve material. We should at this point note that a titanium valve has very much lower thermal conductivity than a steel valve. Read more…
