Tribological characterisation of turbocharger turbine sealing rings in heavy duty diesel engines

Abstract: This work investigated the wear mechanisms of turbocharger components in heavy duty diesel engines. By understanding the wear mechanisms that are occurring in turbochargers the life time of the turbocharger components can be improved. For better understanding, as to why the components are worn out, an analysis of several turbocharger components and tribological tests were carried out.   The contact surfaces between turbocharger and sealing rings were analysed. Surfaces are analysed by several methods, including chemical composition of the surface. Influence of different parameters such as contact pressure, sliding velocity, temperature, and distance on friction and wear behaviour are established by performing tribological tests. Pin on disc sliding wear tests were carried out at both room temperature and at high temperature of 300˚C. The pin and the disc, that were used during the tribological tests, were made of the same materials that are used in turbocharger components.   Analysis of pins and discs from tribo-tests and turbocharger components (turbine sealing rings and shafts) show abrasive and adhesive wear on the worn surfaces of the components, from both the tribological tests and the turbochargers respectively. An increase of the temperature resulted in a reduced friction due to the formation of oxide layers on the sliding surfaces of pins and discs. In the turbocharger, traces of lubricant between the sliding surfaces was found, in addition to plastic deformations on the worn surfaces of the shafts and adhesive and abrasive wear on both worn surfaces that were in contact with each other. On the other hand, on the worn surfaces of the turbine sealing rings some cracks were observed that were perpendicular to the sliding direction, which indicates presence of a fatigue process. The presence of fatigue cracks is probably due to the way the trucks were operated, the increase and decrease of temperature and pressure in the turbocharger is probably the cause of these cracks.   To minimize the wear mechanisms that occurs in turbocharger components such as sealing rings and shafts, there are some parameters such as contact pressure between the sliding surfaces of the components that can be minimized. By minimizing the contact pressure between the sliding surfaces, the lifetime of turbocharger can be improved. A better surface finishing and geometry of the contacting surfaces can also improve the sealing rings and shafts lifetime. To minimize the relaxation of turbine sealing rings, materials that can better keep the mechanical properties of the sealing rings at high temperatures must be used.