What is the lubrication system in an IC engine?
The lubrication system in IC engines helps to lubricate and cool the engine moving components. Its primary function is to reduce the friction between moving components that helps to lower the rate of wear and tear in these engine components.
Functions of lubrication system in IC engine:
The lubrication system in the IC engine performs the following function.:-
A] Lubrication to the moving components: the IC engines contain various moving components and these moving components are continuously subjected to surface friction.
This surface friction can cause wear and tear of the moving components and thus it decreases the life of the engine.
The lubricating oil creates the thin film of lubrication between the surfaces of moving components that lower the friction between moving components and thus the wear and tear of the engine decreases.
The IC engine requires lubrication to the following components:
- Surface between Piston and cylinder
- Bearing of crankshaft
- Bearing of connecting rod
- Valve mechanism
- Valve timing chain/gear
- Camshaft and bearings
B] Cooling of the components: The engine works at a very high speed and that also results in the generation of a large amount of heat. If this temperature is raised more than the optimum temperature then it will result in engine seizing.
To prevent this, the lubrication oil helps to carry away the heat from these components and lowers the temperature of the engine to the optimum temperature.
C] Sealing between piston and cylinder: the IC engine works at a higher pressure and therefore the compressed air-fuel mixture or the combustion products can leak from the smaller gap present in between Piston rings and cylinder surface and enter into the crankcase.
The lubricating oil forms a layer between piston rings and cylinder surface, that acts as a gas-tight seal that blocks the entry of compressed gases into the crankcase.
D] Cleaning of moving components: During the working of the IC engine, the metal particles are created due to the friction between moving components.
These metal particles and carbon deposits are deposited on various components of the engine. the lubricating oil helps to clean this component and carry this dirt to the oil sump.
E] Reduces friction losses in an engine: The friction between the mating components acts as resistance to the power transmission which results in a loss in indicated power. And therefore the less part of power reaches the output shaft. The lubricating oil lowers the frictional power losses which result in higher mechanical efficiency.
F] Absorbs shocks and reduces vibrations: The layers of oil absorb the shocks that are created during the power stroke and reduce the vibrations.
