International Journal of Advanced Research in Technology, Engineering and Science (A Bimonthly Open

Access Online Journal) Volume2, Issue3, May-June, 2015.ISSN:2349-7173(Online)

Investigation of Heat Dissipation in Petrol

Engine Cylinder during Explosion Process
Using Finite Element Analysis
Sampath S S1, Sawan Shetty2, Chithirai Pon Selvan M3
___________________________________________________
Abstract: The current work determines the rate of heat flow
from an engine cylinder. The heat addition during the heat
addition stage or during explosion is determined by using the
classical equations. The heat dissipation from the cylinder is
enhanced by the fins provided around the cylinder. The results
which are obtained are validated with the finite element
analysis software ANSYS APDL. A study is conducted by
considering various materials to obtain optimum material
selection to enhance the better flow of heat from the system.
___________________________________________________
Keywords: Thermal Analysis, ANSYS CFX, steady state heat
transfer.
___________________________________________________
I. Introduction
An Internal Combustion Engine is that kind of prime mover that
converts chemical energy to mechanical energy. The fuel on
burning changes into gas which impinges on the piston and
pushes it to cause reciprocating motion. The reciprocating
motion of the piston is then converted into rotary motion of the
crankshaft with the help of connecting rod [11]. The burnt gas
temperature inside the cylinder of an internal combustion engine
may increase significantly and may reach up to ten times of its
surface temperature. It may lead to greater heal fluxes which
will be emitted to the walls of the chamber during the process of
combustion [1]. The temperature in the cylinder is controlled by
the proper means of cooling provided which helps to avoid
thermal stresses which causes the cracks. Higher temperatures
can also deteriorate the lubricating oil film inside the cylinder.
The heat transfer in the engine cylinder plays a role in the
overall engine performance and efficiency [5]. It is important to
predict the magnitude of heat transfer in a designing machine,
and the main objective is to dissipate the heat from the cylinder
with various means [1]. In a constant volume process after the
suction stroke the piston moves from bottom dead centre to top
dead center to compress the charge this process is adiabatic or
isentropic during which there is no exchange of heat with the
surrounding. After this process the high temperature and
pressure charge is ignited by the spark plug. During this time
there is a tremendous rise in the temperature which is called as
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heat addition stage or explosion process which further leads to

the expansion of gases. The process is also called as isochoric
process in theoretical representations. Figure 1 shows the model
of the cylinder with the extended surface which will enhance the
heat dissipation [5]. Figure 2 shows the geometry of rectangular
fins used in the process [7].

Fig 1: Four stroke SI

engine cylinder with
straight fins [5]

Fig 2: Rectangular fins used around the

cylinder [7]

All heat engines require cooling to work. Cooling is also

required because high temperature damages engine materials
and lubricants. Internal combustion engines burn up fuel which
will be hotter than the melting temperature of engine equipment,
and hot enough to set fire to lubricants. Engine cooling removes
energy quick enough to keep temperatures low so the engine can
survive [7]. Extended surfaces or fins are used to dissipate the
heat from the surface area of thermal elements [10]. Pin fin is
used widely to remove the heat from the IC engines, electrical
small transfers etc. [6]. Various studies have been carried out in
order to obtain optimum shapes for the fins. Computational fluid
dynamics is one approach to simulate the model of fins to
determine the rate of heat dissipation [6].
This study is numerically carried out by constructing an axisymmetric model of the cylinder and the considering the fins.
Analysis software ANSY CFX is used to model and analyze the
results [7]. The finite element technique is validated with the
classical equations. The numerical study can also be extended to

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Technology, Engineering and Science (A Bimonthly Open Access Online
Journal) Volume2, Issue3, May-June, 2015.ISSN:2349-7173(Online)
study the effect of fin pitch, fin thickness, normal and tapered study using Ansys fluent was conducted to find the optimum pin
fins, effect of holes and slits in fins etc. [5]. The initial step in shape based on minimum pressure drop and maximizing the
analysis is pre-processing where the geometry is made. The heat transfer across the Automobile engine body. Ajay Raj
Singh et.al [11] described the stress distribution and thermal
overall geometry is split into numerous elements which are
stresses of three different aluminum alloys piston by using finite
called meshes. The boundary conditions are defined at element method (FEM). This paper illustrates the procedure for
appropriate points. The processing stage involves only the analytical design of three aluminum alloy pistons using
application of loads where the calculations are carried out. The specifications of four stroke single cylinder engine of Bajaj
optimum shape or performance of any thermal device is Kawasaki motorcycle. The results predict the maximum stress
determined in third step which is post processing and results and and critical region on the different aluminum alloy pistons using
FEA. Static and thermal stress analysis is performed by using
conclusions are made [6].
ANSYS 12.1. The best aluminum alloy material is selected
based
on stress analysis results.
II. Related Papers
III. Methodology
Mr. H.N. Gandate et.al [1] conducted the analysis of cylinder
and fins being analyzed using finite element software ANSYS.
In this work the temperature distribution and thermal stresses
are evaluated by considering only temperature effect,
temperature and gas pressure effect and also evaluated the same
by considering the effect of cylinder head. Hardik S Rajput et.al
[4] conducted a review on various experimental methods which
are available to enhance heat transfer rate. Paper concluded that
CFD analysis is an effective tool to simulate the heat transfer of
the engine block. ANSYS software is selected to run the
simulation. Pudiri Madhu et.al [7] carried out thermal analysis
on the engine cylinder. The objective of the work is to increase
the heat dissipation rate and reducing weight of engine cylinder
by doing thermal analysis on different materials. A parametric
model of the cylinder and body is created. Transient thermal
analysis is done on the on body using different materials to
reduce weight and to increase heat dissipation rate. S. Sathish
kumar et.al [8] used Air-cooling due to reduced weight and
simple in construction of engine cylinder block. As the aircooled engine build heat, the cooling fins permit the wind and
air to move the heat away from the engine. Low rate of heat
transfer during cooling fins is the main problem in this type of
cooling. Modification of certain design parameters of the fins is
carried out. The main of aim of this work is to study various
researches done in past to improve heat transfer rate of cooling
fins by changing cylinder block fin geometry, climate situation
and material. Jitamitra Swain et.al [10] studied on the efficiency
and performance parameters of straight triangular fins and
porous pin fins in natural convection. It is based on a straight
triangular fin and a general porous pin fin profile. To formulate
heat transfer equation in straight triangular fin modified Bessel's
equation is used. General differential equations of different
orders are used for formulation of both fins. On the basis of
efficiency and effectiveness the two fins are compared and an
approximate study is done. Sanjay Kumar Sharma et.al [6]
presented the results of computational numerical analysis of air
flow and heat transfer in a light weight automobile engine,
considering three different morphology pin fins. A numerical

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In a SI engine when a piston moves from bottom dead center to

top dead center the gases are compressed (high temperature and
pressure) [1]. After this stage the heat addition takes place
because of the ignition by spark plug [2]. The thermodynamic
process which is taking place during the different stages is
represented with the equations. The relation between
temperature pressure and temperature is given by equation (1).
..........(1)
And the total heat generated during the explosion or ignition is
given by equation (2)
..............(2)
The heat generated inside the cylinder gets transfered by
different modes that are conduction and convection. Governing
equations of heat transfer between the elements are applied.
Below equation (3) represents the heat transfer which takes
place during conduction derived by the Fourier, and equation (4)
represents the heat transfer during conduction which is by
Newtons law of cooling [12]. Temperature distribution and the
heat transferred from the short fin is given by the equations (5)
and (6).
The Fouriers Law of conduction
Q= - k Ac dt/dx............ (3)
Newtons Law of cooling
Q=h As (ts-ta)........... (4)
Temperature distribution over a short fin

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Technology, Engineering and Science (A Bimonthly Open Access Online
Journal) Volume2, Issue3, May-June, 2015.ISSN:2349-7173(Online)
Figure 4 represents the axi symmetric model of the cylinder with
the boundary conditions.

........... (5)
Heat transfer from a short fin

.....................(6)

Fig 4: Meshing of the element

Fig 3: Methodology involved in determining the rate of heat
transfer through cylinder
Figure 3 shows the steps involved in determining the amount of
heat transfer from the cylinder. Thermal equations determine the
amount of heat flow during explosion stroke. Finite element
method software ANSYS is used to model and analyze the
element. The results are used to verify with the basic governing
equations which is defined.
Modelling & Analysis: In the present constant volume process
the initial conditions (pressure and volume) were 1 bar and 37
C. Due to the compression the temperature, pressure rises.
Temperature increases drastically due to the ignition of the
highly compressed air by the spark plug. The temperature at this
point is 1277C. The heat addition during explosion process is
calculated according to the thermodynamic process which is
equal to 294.38 KJ. The heat transfer from the cylinder is
improved by providing the fins. Heat transfer takes place from
the cylinder to the surroundings by different modes like
conduction and convection. An axi symmetric model of the
cylinder with the fins is constructed and the meshing is done [1].

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After modelling and meshing the boundary conditions are

specified. The inner and outer thermal coefficients are 50 and 10
W/m2C respectively. Since the material taken for cylinder and
the piston is Aluminium Alloy and the thermal conductivity
taken is 190 W/mC.
Following element is modelled and it is meshed using ANSYS
software [1, 12]. Meshing is discretizing of an element into
finite number of parts and each element is considered and solved
separately. Mesh generation is the practice of generating
a polygonal or polyhedral mesh that approximates a geometric
domain. The term "grid generation" is oftenly used
interchangeably. Typical uses are for rendering to
a computer screen or for physical simulation such as finite
element analysis or computational fluid dynamics [12]. After
this step a thermal steady state simulation is performed. By
using ANSYS numerical simulation tool, whole analysis of
entire assembly is performed. Present simulations adopt
realistic boundary conditions by considering various different
materials with different thermal conductivities [1].

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Technology, Engineering and Science (A Bimonthly Open Access Online
Journal) Volume2, Issue3, May-June, 2015.ISSN:2349-7173(Online)
As an important boundary condition is the radiation property of
the Aluminium Alloy. But due to the high film coefficient, the
part of the heat flow caused by radiation is neglected in this
work. Modeling and Meshing is done using FEA and the
simulation is performed. By means of the numerical solution, a
steady state analysis of the entire heating element is achieved.
Validation of the results obtained in the FEA is carried out using
DOT NET frame work software [12].
IV. Results and Discussions
Analysis is carried out with the application of boundary
conditions by defining the thermal parameters. Coefficient of
convection and the thermal conductivity is defined at
appropriate points of the element. Figure 5 shows the model
with the application of conduction and convection parameters.
The outer radius from the axis of the cylinder to the extreme end
of the fin is equal to 160 mm, the radius from the centre of the
cylinder to the root of the fin is equal to 120 mm, thickness of
the cylinder wall is 70 mm and the fin length is equal to 40 mm.

Fig 6 (a): Temperature distribution from

inside to outside of axi symmetric
cylinder

Fig 6 (b): Results

obtained in dot net
software

Table 1: Temperature variation with the wall thickness using

classical and FEA approaches

Fig 5: Application of Boundary conditions (Conduction and

Convection)
Figure 6 (a) shows the analysis of axi symmetric cylindrical
element after the application of the conditions. It is clear that the
temperature drops from the inside of the cylinder to the outside,
which is exposed to the ambient temperature. Figure 6 (b)
shows the results obtained using DOT NET software for
classical equation.

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Thickness
(mm)

Temperature
distribution
using
classical method in C

Temperature
distribution
FEA in C

800.00

800.00

789.00

791.00

10

779.49

781.49

15

771.45

775.45

20

764.86

768.86

25

759.98

761.98

30

755.98

758.98

35

753.67

755.67

40

752.77

753.00

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using

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Technology, Engineering and Science (A Bimonthly Open Access Online
Journal) Volume2, Issue3, May-June, 2015.ISSN:2349-7173(Online)

Fig 8: Change in heat transfer rate with the change in thermal

conductivity

Fig 7: Variation of temperature with the length of the fin

Table 1 and figure 7 infers that the temperature go on decreasing
from the root of the fin to the extreme end. It is due to the
various thermal parameters which are defined. Heat thus flows
from inside to the outside satisfying the law of thermodynamics.
It is also observed that the temperature variation in both
classical and FEA technique is almost similar. Overall heat
transfer from the short fins is 0.8923 W.

Table 2 shows the change in heat transfer with the change in

thermal conductivity. Figure 8 shows that there is a increase in
heat dissipation with the rise in the thermal conductivity.
Change in the thermal conductivity is the indication of change in
the material which enhances better heat transfer with the
existing film coefficients [12].
Table 3: Variation of external temperature with heat transfer rate

Table 2: Variation of thermal conductivity with heat transfer

rate

Heat transfer rate

0.45

(W)

Conductivity

Heat transfer rate

10

0.89

(W/mC)

(W)

15

1.31

30

0.73

20

1.71

60

0.82

25

2.10

90

0.85

30

2.47

120

0.87

35

2.83

150

0.88

40

3.18

190

0.89

45

3.52

50

3.85

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Heat transfer
coefficient
(W/m2C)

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Technology, Engineering and Science (A Bimonthly Open Access Online
Journal) Volume2, Issue3, May-June, 2015.ISSN:2349-7173(Online)
Fig 10: Change in the fin factor with the change in the thermal
conductivity

Fig 9: Change in the heat transfer rate with the change in heat
transfer coefficient
Figure 9 shows the variation of heat transfer rate with the
change in the heat transfer coefficient. Graph which is shown
varies linearly.
Table 3 and figure 9 infers that as there is rise in the heat
transfer coefficient leads to the increase in heat transfer rate. In
other words when the element is exposed to different fluids,
there will be a definite change in the heat transfer rate [12].
Results obtained in the figure 8 and 9 are similar to the results
obtained in [12]. Hence results are validated.

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Fig 11: Change in the fin factor with the change in the Film
Coefficient
Figure 10 and 11 shows the variation of fin factor with the
thermal conductivity and heat transfer coefficient. As there is
increase in the thermal conductivity there is a drop in the fin
factor and when there is a rise in the heat transfer coefficient
there is a rise in the fin factor [12].
V. Conclusions:
In the current analysis different sections of internal combustion
engines cylinder liner and fins are considered and temperature
distributions at various sections of above are calculated. It is
seen that due to combustion of fuel in a combustion chamber
maximum temperature is developed in the cylinder and
temperature decreases from inside to the outside of the cylinder.
By considering sections (axi-symmetric element) of internal
combustion engines cylinder liner and fins, maximum heat
transfer from the system is determined. The cylinder is acted
with conduction and convection mode of heat transfer is studied
and the temperature at various points is investigated which
enhances better heat transfer from the system. The cylinder
which circulates charge within when it is comes in contact with
the external fluid will transfer or receive energy. The transfer of
energy will also depend on the type of material used. An attempt
is made to demonstrate the improvements to enhance the
maximum heat dissipation from the system using finite element

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International Journal of Advanced Research in Technology, Engineering and Science (A Bimonthly Open Access Online
Journal) Volume2, Issue3, May-June, 2015.ISSN:2349-7173(Online)
Journal for Scientific Research & Development, 2014, Vol. 2, Issue
analysis technique and the validation of this is carried out by
03, pp:554-556.
using computer software DOT NET. Results are thus matching
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Computational analysis of heat transfer through four-stroke S. I.
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out. Transient analysis can be done for the same case. Increase
Recent advances in Mechanical Engineering,2013, Vol.2, No.3, pp:13in number of fins can also be considered to enhance maximum
28.
heat transfer. Heat transfer coefficient can be increased by
Puduri Madhu,N sateesh, "Modeling and Simulation of Fins for 150cc
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Engine", Indian Journal of applied research, 2015, Volume 5 Issue1,
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Geometry on Heat Transfer Rate of Air-Cooled 4 Stroke Si Engine A
fins.
Review",International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced
Engineering,2014, Volume 4, Issue 11,pp:296-299.

Nomenclature:
Q= Heat Transfer rate, W
t1,t2= Initial and final temperature,C
P1,P2= Initial and final pressure, Pa
V1,V2= Initial and final volume, m3
Ac= Cross-Sectional Area, m2
k= Thermal Conductivity of the material, W/mC
h= Heat transfer coefficient, W/m2C
m= Fin factor, m-1
x= distance from reference, m
t= Temperature, C
As= Surface Area, m2
ts= Surface Temperature, C
ti= Internal Temperature, C
ta= Ambient Temperature, C
L=Length of the element, m
dt/dx= Temperature gradient, C/m
= Adiabatic Index
Cv= Specific heat at constant volume, KJ/kg-k

Lutfi Y. Zeidan , Mohammed KH. Abbass , Ali Z. Asker ,"The study

of temperature distribution on a cylinder of suzuki 250 GSX engine
fueled with gasoline blends using FEA", Diyala journal of engineering
sciences,2014, Vol.07, No. 02, pp: 451-741.

[10]

Jitamitra Swain, Kumar Gaurav, Dheerendra Singh, Prakash Kumar

Sen, and Shailendra Kumar Bohidar"A Comparative Study on Heat
Transfer in Straight Triangular Fin and Porous Pin Fin under Natural
Convection",International Journal of Innovation and Scientific
Research , 2014, vol.11, no.2, pp. 611619.

[11]

Ajay Raj Singh, Dr. Pushpendra Kumar Sharma," Design, Analysis

and Optimization of Three Aluminium Piston Alloys Using FEA" Int.
Journal of Engineering Research and Applications,2014, Vol.4, Issue
1, pp.94-102.

[12]. Sampath S S, Anil Antony Sequeira, Chithirai Pon Selvan M, Sawan

Shetty, "Comparative Thermal Analysis of Bar Element Connected to
Different Heating Sources", International Journal of Emerging
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pp:72-78.

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Authors Address:
Assistant Professors, School of Engineering &
Information Technology, Manipal University, Dubai, United
Arab Emirates.
1, 2, 3

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