Magnum Monosteel – Federal-Mogul's new generation of its Monosteel piston – reduces piston mass by up to 7% and, according to its developer, enables reduced friction for improved fuel economy and emissions.
Rainer Jueckstock, Federal-Mogul senior vice president of powertrain energy, says the new piston is currently in development testing with "major global commercial vehicle and engine manufacturers in Europe and North America".
He explains that the design goal has been to meet thermal, mechanical, abrasion and corrosion challenges on heavy-duty diesel engines that result from the emissions regulations. It features, for example, a patented, dual friction-welded construction, which allows large cooling galleries for superior high temperature resistance, while also increasing strength to handle higher cylinder pressures.
What's new, however, is the Magnum's 'double-band' piston skirt design – a first for modern diesel pistons that helps to reduce frictional drag and reduces the overall piston skirt area by 40%.
Jueckstock says that extensive engine testing has shown piston friction reduction of up to 17%, compared to conventional steel piston designs. He also comments that the double-band skirt also enables better hydrodynamic lubrication, compared to conventional skirt designs.
"With the Magnum piston, Federal-Mogul is again bringing a significant piston architecture innovation to the heavy-duty market through an enhancement to our proven Monosteel design," comments Jueckstock.
"Magnum … is another game-changing technology that provides heavy-duty customers with a more effective solution to the emissions challenges they face," he adds.
