Aluminum Alloy Piston for Rotary Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light metal materials used in pistons for rotary piston engines have insufficient strength values, making them unsuitable for lightweight components and limiting the power-to-weight ratio.
Innovation Solution
A light metal material with a tensile strength of ≥ 180 MPa is developed, comprising an aluminum alloy with specific alloy components and nanoparticles, which is produced using various metallurgical processes and heat treatment, enabling improved strength and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional light metal materials are used in pistons for rotary piston engines, then the piston weight is reduced, but the strength values are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining aluminum alloy with dispersoid particles (oxides, nitrides, carbides, or intermetallic compounds) to create a material that maintains the low density of aluminum while achieving high strength values of at least 180 MPa. The dispersoid particles reinforce the aluminum matrix, enabling the piston to be both lightweight and mechanically strong enough for rotary piston engine applications.
2Strength
If iron-based alloys are used for solid pistons in rotary piston engines, then the strength is sufficient, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of an aluminum-based matrix reinforced with dispersoid particles to achieve high strength comparable to iron-based alloys while maintaining the weight advantage of aluminum. This composite structure enables the piston to withstand mechanical loads without the weight penalty of using solid iron-based materials.
3Weight of moving object
If aluminum alloy pistons are used, then the weight is reduced, but the tensile strength is insufficient for rotary piston engine applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the microstructure of the aluminum alloy through the addition of dispersoid particles and controlled heat treatment processes. These parameter changes in composition and microstructure transform the aluminum alloy from a soft, weak material into a high-strength composite with tensile strength of at least 180 MPa, suitable for rotary piston engine pistons.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The light metal material achieves enhanced strength and reduced weight, thereby improving the power-to-weight ratio of rotary piston engines while maintaining low production costs.
Implementation Method 1
nanoparticles distributed in the aluminum alloy in an amount of 0.1 to 15.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the light metal material, wherein the nanoparticles have a diameter of 10 to 1000 nm
Implementation Method 2
a method for producing such a light metal material comprising the steps a) providing an aluminum alloy, b) providing nanoparticles, c) bringing the aluminum alloy from step a) into contact with the nanoparticles from step b) to produce a light metal material comprising the aluminum alloy and nanoparticles distributed therein, and d) heat treating the light metal material obtained in step c)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light metal material with a tensile strength at room temperature of ≥ 180 MPa, a method for producing such a light metal material, and the use of such a light metal material as a piston component in a rotary piston engine.