Internal combustion engine block having a cylinder liner shunt flow cooling system and method of cooling same

Abstract

An internal combustion engine block having a circumferential channel formed between the cylinder block and a cylinder liner, surrounding and adjacent to the high temperature combustion chamber region of the engine, to which coolant flow is provided to uniformly and effectively cool this critical area of the liner. The flow characteristics of the top liner cooling channel provide a high velocity coolant stream having an aspect ratio of width relative to height within a predetermined range and an equivalent diameter within a predetermined range to assure uniform temperature on both sides of the cylinder liner and about the entire circumference of the liner.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to internal combustion engines and particularly to fuel injected diesel cycle engines, and specifically to the construction of the cylinder block and cylinder liner to accommodate cooling of the liner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is conventional practice to provide the cylinder block of an internal combustion engine with numerous cast in place interconnected coolant passages within the area of the cylinder bore. This allows maintaining the engine block temperature at a predetermined acceptably low range, thereby precluding excessive heat distortion of the piston cylinder, and related undesirable interference between the piston assembly and the piston cylinder.

In a conventional diesel engine having replaceable cylinder liners of the flange type, coolant is not in contact with the immediate top portion of the liner, but rather is restricted to contact below the support flange in the cylinder block. This support flange is normally, of necessity, of substantial thickness. Thus, the most highly heated portion of the cylinder liner, namely, the area adjacent the combustion chamber is not directly cooled.

Furthermore, uniform cooling all around the liner is difficult to achieve near the top of the liner because location of coolant transfer holes to the cylinder head is restricted by other overriding design considerations. The number of transfer holes is usually limited, and in many engine designs the transfer holes are not uniformly spaced.

All of the foregoing has been conventional practice in internal combustion engines, and particularly with diesel cycle engines, for many, many years. However, in recent years there has been a great demand for increasing the horsepower output of the engine package and concurrently there exists redesign demands to improve emissions by lowering hydrocarbon content. Both of these demands result in hotter running engines, which in turn creates greater demands on the cooling system. The most critical area of the cylinder liner is the top piston ring reversal point, which is the top dead center position of the piston, a point at which the piston is at a dead stop or zero velocity. In commercial diesel engine operations, it is believed that the temperature at this piston reversal point must be maintained so as not to exceed 400.degree. F. (200.degree. C.). In meeting the demands for more power and fewer hydrocarbon emissions, the fuel injection pressure has been increased on the order of 40% (20,000 psi to about 28,000 psi) and the engine timing has been retarded. Collectively, these operating parameters make it difficult to maintain an acceptable piston cylinder liner temperature at the top piston ring reversal point with the conventional cooling technique described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes these shortcomings by providing a continuous channel all around the liner and located near the top of the liner. Between 5 to 10% of the total engine coolant fluid flow can be directed through these channels, without the use of special coolant supply lines or long internal coolant supply passages. This diverted flow provides a uniform high velocity stream, all around and high up on the liner, to effectively cool the area of the cylinder liner adjacent to the upper piston ring travel, thus tending to better preserve the critical lubricating oil film on the liner inside surface. The resulting uniform cooling also minimizes the liner bore distortion, leading to longer service life. Further, the present invention requires but minor modification to incorporate into existing engine designs.

The present invention includes a circumferential channel formed between the cylinder block and cylinder liner, surrounding and adjacent to the high temperature combustion chamber region of an internal combustion engine, to which coolant flow is diverted from the main coolant stream to uniformly and effectively cool this critical area of the liner. Coolant flow through the channel is induced by the well known Bernoulli relationship between fluid velocity and pressure. The high velocity flow of the main coolant stream, through the passages that join the cylinder block with the cylinder head, provides a reduced pressure head at intersecting channel exit holes. Channel entrance holes, located upstream at relatively stagnant regions in the main coolant flow, are at a higher pressure head than the channel exit holes, thus inducing flow through the channel.

The present invention also includes providing a top of the liner cooling channel of a dimensional configuration yielding optimum heat removal characteristics at both the (i) gas or combustion side of the cylinder wall (to preclude oil deterioration, excessive wear, and the like), and (ii) coolant side of the cylinder wall to preclude the coolant boiling. This is accomplished by maintaining an aspect ratio of about 0.085:1 to about 0.208:1 and, preferably, at least about 0.130:1. It also accomplished by providing an equivalent diameter ranging from about 0.006 ft to about 0.0112 ft, and preferably, about 0.008 ft.

Further, the present invention is concerned with optimizing the aforesaid design parameters to fit the heavy duty class of diesel engines ranging from a cylinder bore diameter and displacement of about 130 mm and about 1.8 liters per cylinder, respectively (approximately 50 horsepower per cylinder) to a bore diameter and displacement of about 165 mm and about 4.1 liters per cylinder, respectively (approximately 225 horsepower per cylinder).

While reference is made particularly in some instance to the diesel engine, the present invention is not dependent upon what fuels the engine, but rather is applicable to any liquid-cooled internal combustion engine wherein substantial heat must be removed at the very top of the combustion cylinder liner, or its equivalent.

These and other objects of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of the cylinder block showing a cylinder bore and partial views of adjoining cylinder bores, prior to installation of a cylinder liner, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially along the lines 2--2 of FIG. 1, but including the installation of the cylinder liner, and further showing in partial cross-section through the cylinder liner details of the coolant fluid channel inlet formed within the cylinder block in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the lines 3--3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3a is an alternative embodiment wherein the inlet port to the secondary cooling chamber is provided within the liner rather than cylinder block;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 and showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the cylinder bore is provided with a repair bushing;

FIG. 5 is a partially cross-sectional perspective view of a single cylinder within a cylinder block showing the details of the secondary cooling chamber at the top of the cylinder liner and the coolant flow path therethrough in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is an enlargement view in cross-section similar to FIG. 3 showing the top of the liner cooling channel and an alternate flow area configuration in accordance with the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Pursuant to one embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1-3, a cylinder block, generally designated 10 includes a plurality of successively aligned cylinder bores 12. Each cylinder bore is constructed similarly and is adapted to receive a cylindrical cylinder liner 14. Cylinder bore 12 includes a main inner radial wall 16 of one diameter and an upper wall 18 of greater diameter so as to form a stop shoulder 20 at the juncture thereof.

Cylinder liner 14 includes a radial inner wall surface 22 of uniform diameter within which is received a reciprocating piston, having the usual piston rings, etc., as shown generally in U.S. Pat. No. 3,865,087, assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The cylinder liner 14 further includes a radial flange 24 at its extreme one end which projects radially outwardly from the remainder of an upper engaging portion 26 of lesser diameter than the radial flange so as to form a stop shoulder 28. The entirety of the upper engaging portion 26 of the cylinder liner is dimensioned so as to be in interference fit to close fit engagement (i.e. 0.0005 to 0.0015 inch clearance) with the cylinder block, with the cylinder liner being secured in place by the cylinder head and head bolt clamp load in conventional manner.

About the cylinder liner 12, and within the adjacent walls of the cylinder block, there is provided a main coolant chamber 30 surrounding the greater portion of the cylinder liner. A coolant fluid is adapted to be circulated within the main coolant chamber from an inlet port (not shown) and thence through one or more outlet ports 32.

The general outline or boundaries of the main coolant chamber 30 are shown in phantom line in FIG. 1 as surrounding the cylinder bore, and include a pair or diametrically opposed outlet ports 32.

Thus far, the above description is of a conventionally designed internal combustion engine as shown in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 3,865,087.

As further shown in FIGS. 1-3, and in accordance with the present invention, a secondary cooling chamber is provided about the uppermost region of the cylinder liner within the axial length of the upper engaging portion 26. The secondary cooling chamber is provided specifically as a circumferentially extending channel 34 machined or otherwise constructed within the radially outer wall of the upper engaging portion 26 of the cylinder liner and having an axial extent or length beginning at the stop shoulder 28 and extending approximately half-way across the upper engaging portion 26.

The secondary cooling chamber includes a pair of fluid coolant passages in the form of inlet ports 36 diametrically opposed from one another and each communicating with the main coolant chamber 30 by means of a scalloped recess constructed within the radial inner wall of the cylinder block. Each scalloped recess extends in axial length from a point opening to the main coolant chamber 30 to a point just within the axial extent or length of the channel 34, as seen clearly in FIG. 2, and each is disposed approximately 90.degree. from the outlet ports 32.

The secondary cooling chamber also includes a plurality of outlet ports 38. The outlet ports 38 are radial passages located at and communicating with a respective one of the outlet ports 32 of the main cooling chamber. The diameter of the radially directed passage or secondary cooling chamber outlet port 38 is sized relative to that of the main coolant chamber outlet port 32 such that it is in effect a venturi.

While not shown, it is to be appreciated that the top piston ring of the piston assembly is adapted to be adjacent the secondary cooling chamber when the piston assembly is at its point of zero velocity, i.e., the top piston ring reversal point.

In terms of specific design for an internal cylinder bore diameter of 149.0 mm (assignee's four-cycle Series 60 engine), the important relative fluid coolant flow parameters are as follows:

______________________________________Circumferential channel 34:axial length (height) 11.5-12.0 mmdepth 1.0 mmScalloped recess (inlet port 36):radial length (depth) 2.0 mmcutter diameter for 3.00 inchesmachining scalloparc degrees circumscribed 20.degree.on cylinder borechord length on cylinder 25.9 mmboreMain cooling chamber outlet port 32:diameter 15 mmSecondary cooling chamber output port/venturi/radial passage 38:diameter 6 mmpressure drop across 0.41 psiventuri/output port 38coolant flow diverted 7.5%through secondarycooling chamber______________________________________

Generally, the above-mentioned specific parameters are selected based upon maintaining the flow area equal through the ports 36, 38 (i.e. total inlet port flow area and total outlet port flow area) and channel 34. Thus in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the flow area through each inlet port 36 and outlet port 38 is twice that of the channel 34.

In operation, as coolant fluid is circulated though the main coolant chamber 30, it will exit the main coolant chamber outlet ports 32 at a relatively high fluid velocity. For example, within the main coolant chamber the fluid velocity, because of its volume relative to the outlet ports 32, would be perhaps less than one foot per second. However, at each outlet port 32 the fluid velocity may be in the order of seven to eight feet per second and would be known as an area of high fluid velocity. But for the existence of the secondary cooling chamber, the flow of coolant through the main coolant chamber would not be uniform about the entire circumference of the cylinder liner. Rather, at various points about the circumference, and in particular with respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 wherein there is provided two diametrically opposed outlet ports 32, a region or zone of coolant flow stagnation would form at a point approximately 90.degree., or half-way between, each of the outlet ports. This would create a hot spot with a potential for undesirable distortion, possible loss of lubricating oil film, leading to premature wear and blow-by.

Pursuant to the present invention, coolant fluid from the main coolant chamber is caused to be drawn through each secondary cooling chamber inlet port 36 as provided by the scalloped recess and thence to be split in equal flow paths to each of the respective outlet ports 38, thence through the venturi, i.e. the radial passage forming the outlet port 38, and out the main cooling chamber outlet ports 32. By reason of the Bernoulli relationship between the fluid velocity and pressure, the high velocity flow of the main coolant stream through each outlet port 32 provides a reduced pressure head at the intersection with the venturi or radial passage 38. Thus the coolant within the secondary cooling chamber or channel 34 will be at a substantially higher pressure head than that which exists within the radial passages 38, thereby inducing flow at a relatively high fluid velocity through the channel 34. In practice, it has been found that the fluid velocity through the secondary channel 34 will be, in the example given above, at least about three, and perhaps as much as six, feet per second. This, therefore, provides a very efficient means for removing a significant portion of the thermal energy per unit area of the cylinder liner at the uppermost region of the cylinder liner adjacent the combustion chamber.

As an alternative to the scalloped recess forming inlet port 36 being constructed within the inner radial wall of the cylinder bore, the cylinder liner may be constructed with a flat chordal area 36' as shown in FIG. 3a of the same dimension (i.e. same axial length and circumferential or chord length) and within the same relative location of the above-described recess. The effect is the same, namely providing a channel communicating the coolant flow from the main coolant chamber 30 with that of the secondary cooling chamber channel 34.

A further alternative inlet port design, not shown, particularly useful for the larger cylinders, is simply to drill a flow passage vertically from the cylinder block deck through the cylinder block to the main coolant chamber 30 and then drill a second flow passage radially through the cylinder block from the cylinder bore and interconnecting the secondary cooling chamber 34 with the vertical flow passage. The vertical flow passage is then plugged at the deck.

In FIG. 4, there is shown an alterative embodiment of the present invention, particularly applicable for re-manufactured cylinder blocks, whereby the cylinder bore includes a repair bushing 50 press fit within the cylinder block 10 and including the same stop shoulder 20 for receiving the cylinder liner. Likewise, the repair bushing and cylinder liner include a pair of radial passages extending therethrough to provide outlet ports 38 and thereby establishing coolant fluid flow between the secondary cooling chamber and the main outlet ports 32. Also as seen in FIG. 4, the radial extending passage of outlet port 38 is easily machined within the cylinder block by drilling in from the boss 52 and thereafter plugging the boss with a suitable machining plug 54.

Another aspect of the present invention, apart from the vacuum flow induced cooling, is the flow characteristics of the upper cooling channel itself. This is illustrated with reference primarily to FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in FIG. 5, in the prior art wherein no upper liner cooling channel nor inlet port 36 were provided, the point in the main cooling chamber 30, 90.degree. distant from the outlet 32 and designated "A", is an area of stagnation, i.e. no coolant flow. Consequently, it was susceptible to producing hot spots on the liner. Adding the additional cooling channel and specific inlet points thereto as previously described did a great deal to eliminate the areas of stagnation. However, optimum cooling, namely, assuring uniform cylinder wall temperature, on the gas side and coolant side, about the circumference of the liner and at acceptable levels below boiling also requires optimizing the configuration of the upper channel itself. This means determining the most beneficial "aspect ratio" which is defined as width (a) of the channel divided by its height (b). This design criteria can also be equated to the equivalent diameter of cooling channel 34, with each being defined as the cross-sectional area of coolant passage in channel 34, divided by the wetted perimeter of the cooling channel 34. In the below noted formulation, the equivalent diameter (de) is equal to 4 times the hydraulic radius (r.sub.h).

These design parameters were determined using the following design parameters:

______________________________________Flow, Qs, in liner fillet channel is a function of flow,Qm, thru the Hd/Blk water transfer hole, dia. Dm.Qm=Q/12 ft 3/secwhere Q in gpm is the overall engine coolant flowrate.Vm=Qm/Am: Velocity thru Blk-Head transfer holes, ft/sec.P1-P2=r*Vm 2/2*gc: Pressure diff. across channel,lbf/ft 2Vs=[2*(P1-P2)*de*gc/f*l*r] 1/2: Velocity in channel,ft/sec.gc=32.2 lbm-ft/lbf-sec 2a=channel widthb=channel heightl=.38394 ft; Channel lengthr=63.74 lbm/ft 3: 50/50 Wtr/EG density @ 200.degree. F.f=friction factor-iterate using Moody diagram.de=2*a*b/(a+b): Equivalent orifice diameter, ft.Nr=r*Vs*de/u: Reynolds number, for use in Moody diagram.u=0.000548 lbm/ft-sec: 50/50 Wtr/EG viscosity @ 200.degree. F.e=.000125 ft: Channel surface roughness estimate.e/de=relative roughness, for use in Moody diagram.Refine friction factor, f, using Moody diagram.As=a*b: Channel area, ft 2Qs=Vs*As: Channel coolant flow, ft 3/sec.Qst=2*12*Qs*60*1728/231: Total engine channel flow, gpm.(2 channels per transfer hole, and 12 transfer holes).Heat Transfer: The heat flow rate to the channelcoolant (for one channel quadrant) is estimated by,q=(Tg-Tb)/1/hgA + dx/Kl*pi*de*l + 1/h*pi*de*l), Btu/hrtg=avg. peak cylinder temp., degrees F.Tb=bulk fluid temp. in the channel (avg. along flowdir.) degrees F.hg=cyl ht transfer convection coefficient, Btu/hr-ft 2-degrees F.A=.0074 ft 2: Cyl ht transfer area, calculated fromexperimental data and combustion simulation model.dx=(9-a)/25.4*12, liner wall thickness at channel, ft.Kl=30 Btu/hr-ft-degrees F., liner thermal conductivity.h=Nud*kc/de: Coolant side convection coefficient,Btu/hr-ft 2 - degrees F.Nud=.023*Nr 0.8*Pr 0.4: Nusselt number, based onhydraulic dia.Pr=cp*u/Kc=8.228: Prandtl number.cp=0.884 Btu/lbm - degrees F.: Specific Heat of 50/50Wtr/EG @ 200.degree. F.Kc=0.212 Btu/hr-ft-degrees F., 50/50 Wtr/EG thermalconductivity @ 200.degree. F.Twc=Tb+q/h*pi*de*l: Coolant side liner wall temp.,degrees F.dT=Twc=246: Boiling Potential, degrees F.Twg=q/(dx/Kl*pi*de*l)+Twc: Gas side liner wall temp.,degrees F.Tm=q/((dx-2)/Kl*pi*de*l)+Twc: Liner wall temp. @thermocouple; 2.0 mm from inside liner wallqt=24*q/60: Total engine channel heat rejection, Btu/min.______________________________________

Testing of a 12.7 liter, 4 cycle diesel engine (assignee's Series 60 engine) equipped with top liner cooling as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-6 yielded the following results:

TABLE I__________________________________________________________________________12.7 L S60 TLC LINEAR CHANNEL COOLING ANALYSIS50/50 Water/Ethylene Glycol Coolant__________________________________________________________________________ a b Q As Dm Vm P1-P2 de Vs Qs Qst s/sTest No. mm mm gpm ft 2 mm ft/s psf ft ft/s Nr e/de f ft 3/s gpm Qst/Q Nud__________________________________________________________________________ 1 10 11.5 50 0.0001238 15.00 4.59 20.8 0.00604 2.26 1584 0.021 0.065 0.000279 301 6.0 19.4 2 10 11.5 60 0.0001238 15.00 5.50 29.9 0.00604 2.77 1943 0.021 0.062 0.000343 3.69 6.2 22.8 3 10 11.5 70 0.0001238 15.00 6.41 40.6 0.00604 3.28 2303 0.021 0.060 0.000406 4.37 6.2 26.2 4 10 11.5 80 0.0001238 15.00 7.32 53.0 0.00604 3.75 2631 0.021 0.060 0.000464 5.00 6.2 29.1 5 10 11.5 90 0.0001238 15.00 8.23 67.1 0.00604 4.25 2984 0.021 0.059 0.000526 5.67 6.3 32.2 6 10 11.5 100 0.0001238 15.00 9.15 82.8 0.00604 4.72 3315 0.021 0.059 0.000584 6.30 6.3 35.0 7 1.2 11.5 50 0.0001485 15.00 4.49 20.0 0.00713 2.48 2056 0.018 0.061 0.000368 3.97 7.9 23.9 8 1.2 11.5 60 0.0001485 15.00 5.38 28.6 0.00713 3.07 2545 0.018 0.057 0.000456 4.91 8.2 28.3 9 1.2 11.5 70 0.0001485 15.00 6.27 39.0 0.00713 3.58 2970 0.018 0.057 0.000532 5.73 8.2 32.110 1.2 11.5 80 0.0001485 15.00 7.16 50.8 0.00713 4.13 3422 0.018 0.056 0.000613 6.60 8.3 35.911 1.2 11.5 90 0.0001485 15.00 8.05 64.2 0.00713 4.68 3881 0.018 0.055 0.000695 7.49 8.3 39.712 1.2 11.5 100 0.0001485 15.00 8.94 79.1 0.00713 5.24 4349 0.018 0.054 0.000779 8.39 8.4 43.513 1.5 11.5 50 0.0001857 15.00 4.34 18.6 0.00871 2.78 2820 0.014 0.055 0.000517 5.57 11.1 30.814 1.5 11.5 60 0.0001857 15.00 5.19 26.6 0.00871 3.43 3470 0.014 0.052 0.000636 6.85 11.4 36.315 1.5 11.5 70 0.0001857 15.00 6.05 36.2 0.00871 4.03 4083 0.014 0.051 0.000749 8.06 11.5 41.416 1.5 11.5 80 0.0001857 15.00 6.90 47.1 0.00871 4.65 4707 0.014 0.050 0.000863 9.30 11.6 46.317 1.5 11.5 90 0.0001857 15.00 7.76 59.7 0.00871 5.23 5295 0.014 0.050 0.000971 10.46 11.6 50.918 1.5 11.5 100 0.0001857 15.00 8.62 73.5 0.00871 5.86 5936 0.014 0.049 0.001088 11.72 11.7 55.819 2.0 11.5 50 0.0002476 15.00 4.07 16.4 0.01118 3.11 4040 0.011 0.050 0.000769 8.29 16.6 41.020 2.0 11.5 60 0.0002476 15.00 4.87 23.5 0.01118 3.79 4931 0.011 0.048 0.000939 10.11 16.9 48.121 2.0 11.5 70 0.0002476 15.00 5.67 31.8 0.01118 4.46 5804 0.011 0.047 0.001105 11.90 17.0 54.822 2.0 11.5 80 0.0002476 15.00 6.47 41.4 0.01118 5.15 6692 0.011 0.046 0.001274 13.73 17.2 61.423 2.0 11.5 90 0.0002476 15.00 7.28 52.4 0.01118 5.79 7529 0.011 0.046 0.001433 15.44 17.2 67.524 2.0 11.5 100 0.0002476 15.00 8.07 64.5 0.01118 6.49 8442 0.011 0.045 0.001607 17.31 17.3 74.0__________________________________________________________________________ h Btu/ Tg Tb hg Btu/ g Twc dT Twg Tm qt Test No. hr-ft 2-F deg F. deg F. hr-ft 2-F Btu/hr deg F. deg F. deg F. deg Btu/mn__________________________________________________________________________ 1 681 1300 190 58 419 274 28 325 312 167 2 802 1275 190 64 452 267 21 322 308 181 3 919 1250 190 72 494 264 18 323 308 198 4 1022 1225 190 81 538 262 16 327 311 215 5 1130 1200 190 90 579 260 14 330 313 232 6 1230 1171 190 102 630 260 14 336 317 252 7 710 1300 190 58 434 261 15 304 293 174 8 843 1275 190 64 468 255 9 301 289 187 9 953 1250 190 72 512 252 6 303 290 205 10 1068 1225 190 81 559 251 5 306 292 224 11 1181 1200 190 90 602 249 3 309 294 241 12 1294 1171 190 102 656 249 3 314 297 263 13 749 1300 190 58 444 246 0 281 272 179 14 884 1275 190 64 479 242 none 279 269 191 15 1007 1250 190 72 524 240 none 281 270 210 16 1129 1225 190 81 573 238 none 283 271 229 17 1240 1200 190 90 618 237 none 286 273 247 18 1359 1171 190 102 675 237 none 290 276 270 19 778 1300 190 58 453 233 none 259 252 181 20 912 1275 190 64 489 230 none 258 250 196 21 1039 1250 190 72 536 228 none 259 250 214 22 1165 1220 190 81 587 227 none 261 251 235 23 1280 1200 190 90 634 227 none 263 252 253 24 1403 1171 190 102 693 227 none 266 255 277__________________________________________________________________________

These results are based on a 50/50 water/ethylene glycol coolant.

Notably, boiling potential (dT) is eliminated at an aspect ratio (a/b) of 0.130 and above and an equivalent diameter of 0.008 ft and above, as provided when the channel width is increased to 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm.

With these parameters established for a particular size engine, i.e., bore and stroke, the present invention can then be applied to a particular class or size range of heavy duty engines. Of particular interest is that class ranging from a per cylinder bore diameter and displacement of about 130 mm and 1.8 liters per cylinder, respectively, to a per cylinder bore diameter and displacement of about 165 mm and about 4.1 liters per cylinder, respectively.

With the former size engine, namely assignee's Series 60 engine, as noted above, the minimum aspect ratio required for eliminating boiling potential is 0.130:1. Using the same analytical approach on the larger engine referenced immediately above, one again finds that (i) the minimum acceptable aspect ratio is 0.130:1 (at a channel width (a) of 2.0 mm and a channel height (b) of 15 mm) and (ii) this can be extended to an aspect ratio of as much as 0.208:1 (at a channel width (a) of 2.5 mm and a channel height (b) of 12 mm). Just as the aspect ratio can be or is normalized to define an acceptable value for all engines, at least all within the particular size range of engines noted, so too can the equivalent diameter.

Thus, the following formulation applies: ##EQU1## wherein: d.sub.e =equivalent diameter

r.sub.h =hydraulic radius A=cross-sectional area of cooling channel 34 P=wetted perimeter of cooling channel 34 a=width of channel 34 b=height of channel 34

For assignee's Series 60 engine, the equivalent diameter computes as follows: ##EQU2##

Normalizing this equivalent diameter to the bore diameter (d.sub.e /d.sub.bore) one obtains a normalized equivalent diameter of 0.0204.

In the same manner, the larger engine referenced above is seen to have a normalized equivalent diameter of 0.025.

For example: ##EQU3##

Thus, the present invention can be defined in terms of a class of engines wherein (1) the aspect ratio of the cooling channel is maintained at within a range of about 0.085:1 to about 0.208:1 and preferably at about 0.130 and greater and (ii) the normalized equivalent diameter of the cooling channel is maintained within a range of about 0.020 to about 0.025. The lower value and above assures maintaining temperature requirements, that is, eliminating boiling potential. The higher value and less assures maintaining reasonable flow diversion of coolant to the cooling channel 34.

The foregoing description is of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not to be read as limiting the invention. The scope of the invention should be construed by reference to the following claims.

Claims

1. In combination, in an internal combustion engine, a cylinder block, having at least one cylinder bore;

a cylinder liner concentrically located within said cylinder bore and secured to said cylinder block;

a main cooling chamber surrounding said cylinder liner and having an inlet port and at least one outlet port for circulating a coolant fluid about a main portion of said cylinder liner;

a secondary cooling chamber located about the uppermost portion of said cylinder liner, said secondary cooling chamber having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port, said ports being spaced from one another by a substantial distance about the circumference of said secondary cooling chamber, whereby fluid coolant circulated about said secondary coolant chamber is divided into at least two separate flow paths about said secondary cooling chamber and exiting through said secondary cooling chamber outlet port;

said secondary cooling chamber being generally rectangular in cross-section and having an aspect ratio ranging from at least 0.085:1, thereby providing a flow of coolant fluid through said secondary cooling chamber at a flow velocity of substantial magnitude and a significantly increased rate of removal of thermal energy per unit area of said cylinder liner at the uppermost portion of said cylinder liner.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said aspect ratio ranges from 0.130:1 to 0.208:1.

3. In combination, in an internal combustion engine, a cylinder block, having at least one cylinder bore;

a cylinder liner concentrically located within said cylinder bore and secured to said cylinder block;

a main cooling chamber surrounding said cylinder liner and having an inlet port and at least one outlet port for circulating a coolant fluid about a main portion of said cylinder liner;

a secondary cooling chamber located about the uppermost portion of said cylinder liner, said secondary cooling chamber having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port, said ports being spaced from one another by a substantial distance about the circumference of said secondary cooling chamber, whereby fluid coolant circulated about said secondary coolant chamber is divided into at least two separate flow paths about said secondary cooling chamber and exiting through said secondary cooling chamber outlet port, and wherein the normalized equivalent diameter of said secondary cooling chamber is at least 0.020, said secondary cooling chamber being generally rectangular in cross-section and having an aspect ratio ranging from at least 0.085:1, thereby providing a flow of coolant fluid through said secondary cooling chamber at a flow velocity of substantial magnitude and a significantly increased rate of removal of thermal energy per unit area of said cylinder liner at the uppermost portion of said cylinder liner.

4. In combination, in an internal combustion engine, a cylinder block, having at least one cylinder bore;

a cylinder liner concentrically located within said cylinder bore and secured to said cylinder block;

a main cooling chamber surrounding said cylinder liner and having an inlet port and at least one outlet port for circulating a coolant fluid about a main portion of said cylinder liner;

a secondary cooling chamber located about the uppermost portion of said cylinder liner, said secondary cooling chamber having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port, said ports being spaced from one another by a substantial distance about the circumference of said secondary cooling chamber, whereby fluid coolant circulated about said secondary coolant chamber is divided into two separate flow paths about said secondary cooling chamber and exiting through said secondary cooling chamber outlet port;

said secondary cooling chamber being open to the adjacent cylinder block and defining therewith an enclosed chamber,

the normalized equivalent diameter of said secondary cooling chamber ranging from 0.020 to 0.025.

5. In combination, in an internal combustion engine, a cylinder block, having at least one cylinder bore;

a cylinder liner concentrically located within said cylinder bore and secured to said cylinder block;

a main cooling chamber surrounding said cylinder liner and having an inlet port and at least one outlet port for circulating a coolant fluid about a main portion of said cylinder liner;

a secondary cooling chamber located about the uppermost portion of said cylinder liner, said secondary cooling chamber having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port, said ports being spaced from one another by a substantial distance about the circumference of said secondary cooling chamber, whereby fluid coolant circulated about said secondary coolant chamber is divided into at least two separate flow paths about said secondary cooling chamber and exiting through said secondary cooling chamber outlet port;

said secondary cooling chamber having an aspect ratio ranging from at least about 0.130:1, and the normalized equivalent diameter ranging from 0.020 to 0.025, thereby providing a flow of coolant fluid through said secondary cooling chamber at a flow velocity of substantial magnitude and a significantly increased rate of removal of thermal energy per unit area of said cylinder liner at the uppermost portion of said cylinder liner.

6. The invention of claim 5 wherein the normalized equivalent diameter of said secondary cooling chamber is at least 0.020.

7. The invention of claim 6 wherein said internal combustion engine is of a class as defined by the cylinder bore and displacement ranging from 130 mm and 1.8 liters per cylinder, respectively, to 165 mm and 4.1 liters per cylinder, respectively.

8. In combination, in an internal combustion engine, a cylinder block, having at least one cylinder bore;

a cylinder liner concentrically located within said cylinder bore and secured to said cylinder block;

a main cooling chamber surrounding said cylinder liner and having at least one inlet port and at least a pair of outlet ports for circulating a coolant fluid about a main portion of said cylinder liner;

a secondary cooling chamber located about the uppermost portion of said cylinder liner, said secondary cooling chamber having one pair of inlet ports and one pair of outlet ports, whereby said fluid coolant may be circulated simultaneously about said main cooling chamber and said secondary cooling chamber, said secondary cooling chamber inlet and outlet ports being spaced from one another by a substantially equal distance about the circumference of said secondary cooling chamber, said pair of inlet ports being diametrically opposed to one another and said pair of outlet ports of the secondary cooling chamber being diametrically opposed to one another, whereby fluid coolant circulated about said secondary coolant chamber is divided into four separate flow paths of substantially equal length about said secondary cooling chamber and exiting through a respective one of said secondary cooling chamber outlet ports;

said outlet ports of said secondary cooling chamber being in fluid communication with a respective one of said outlet ports of said main cooling chamber, each said outlet port of said secondary cooling chamber comprising a venturi whereby, as coolant from the main cooling chamber flows through each outlet port of said main cooling chamber, there will be created across each said venturi a pressure drop which in turn will induce the flow of coolant fluid through said secondary cooling chamber at a flow velocity sufficient to provide a significantly increased rate of removal of thermal energy per unit area of said cylinder liner at the uppermost portion of said cylinder liner; and

said secondary cooling chamber having an aspect ratio of at least 0.130:1 and a normalized equivalent diameter ranging from 0.020 to 0.025.

9. A method of cooling a cylinder liner within the cylinder block of an internal combustion engine comprising:

providing a cylinder liner concentrically located within said cylinder bore and secured to said cylinder block;

providing a main coolant passage surrounding said cylinder liner and having an inlet port and outlet port for circulating a coolant fluid about a main portion of said cylinder liner;

providing a secondary cooling chamber concentrically located about the uppermost portion of said cylinder liner, said secondary cooling chamber being provided with an inlet port and an outlet port whereby said fluid coolant may be circulated simultaneously about said main coolant chamber and said secondary coolant chamber;

said outlet port of said secondary cooling chamber being in fluid communication with the outlet port of said main coolant chamber and comprising a venturi whereby, as coolant from the main cooling chamber flows through the outlet port of said main cooling chamber, there will be created across said venturi a pressure drop which in turn will induce the flow of coolant fluid through said secondary cooling chamber at a flow velocity of sufficient magnitude relative to that flowing through said outlet port, whereby there is provided a significantly increased rate of removal of thermal energy per unit area of said cylinder liner at the uppermost portion of said cylinder liner; and

said secondary cooling chamber being generally rectangular in cross-section and having an aspect ratio ranging from 0.085:1 to 0.208:1 and a normalized equivalent diameter ranging from 0.020 to 0.025, thereby providing a flow of coolant fluid through said secondary cooling chamber at a flow velocity of substantial magnitude and a significantly increased rate of removal of thermal energy per unit area of said cylinder liner at the uppermost portion of said cylinder liner.