Enhancing Thermal Performance of IC Engine Piston by Using Nanoparticles Reinforced Aluminum Alloy
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 14, No 4 (December 2025) pp. 27-34
Abstract
The failure of internal combustion (IC) engine pistons caused by extreme thermal and mechanical loads is still a crucial problem for the automotive engineering industry. Common aluminum alloys, despite their extensive application in piston making, are frequently characterized by drawbacks related to thermal conductivity, wear resistance, and structural integrity at high temperatures. This study explores the optimization of piston performance using nanoparticle reinforced aluminum composites such as alumina (Al₂O₃) and silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles. The thermal behavior and stress distribution of reinforced piston materials are analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA) in realistic engine operating conditions. The simulation calculates the temperature distribution, propagation of heat flux and directional thermal gradients in order to determine the material’s resistance to thermomechanical stresses. Results show that the addition of nanoparticles significantly enhances thermal conductivity and lowers localized hot spots, hence reducing the chances of thermal fatigue and deformation. Titanium alloy Ti1100 exhibited better thermal stability and mechanical strength than conventional aluminum alloys among the tested materials. Comparative studies between analytical and FEA results confirm the validity of numerical simulations for determining equivalent stress, shear stress and total deformation. Such findings imply that the use of nanoparticle reinforced composites can provide effective solutions to age-old problems associated with piston failure, providing increased durability, superior heat dissipation as well as better overall engine efficiency. This research lays foundation for the future experimental confirmation and real time engine test for the further optimization of the material selection and piston design of the high-performance IC engine.
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