Modeling and Validation of the Oil Control Ring Performance for Orbiting Face-Sealing Applications

The Wankel rotary engine has long been seen as a good engine for aeronautical application, but sealing problems is still a challenge that limits its utilisation. Minimizing oil consumption in rotary engine is essential to limit hydrocarbon emissions and minimize overall mass of the engine. Internal oil leaks from the crankcase to the combustion chamber represent about half the oil consumptions in rotary engines and thus represent the low hanging fruit to minimize oil consumptions. This project aims at improving oil sealing of the rotary engine to enable its use in aircraft applications. The project consists of developing a model to predict how oil is transported in the engine, reproduce model condition in a test bench, and finally be able to develop better sealing solution with the help of the developed model and test rig.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mathieu Picard

Student:

Dominik Thibault;Maxime Alain-Lachance

Partner:

Pratt & Whitney Canada

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Aerospace and defense

University:

Université de Sherbrooke