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The effect of cylinder liners on engine performance is substantial. Typically, the cylinder surfaces were plateau honed. However, recently additional dimples or grooves were created on them. This work discusses the tribological impacts of textured cylinder liner surfaces based on a review of the literature. The results of the experimental research obtained using test rigs and fired engines were critically reviewed. In addition, the results of the modeling are shown. Circular oil pockets and grooves perpendicular to the sliding direction of piston rings of small depths were typically used. Surface texturing of the cylinder liners governs lubrication between the cylinder liner and the piston ring by an increase in oil film thickness near the reversal points leading to reductions in friction force and wear and in the fired engine to a decrease in fuel consumption and to an increase in power or torque. The correct texturing pattern ensures a decrease in the oil consumption, blow-by, and emissions of the internal combustion engine compared to plateau-honed surfaces. Considerations of future challenges are also addressed. The volume of lubricant reservoir in surface topography, called oil capacity, should be a substantial parameter characterizing textured surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical losses consume about 40% of the total energy developed by a typical automotive engine. The piston–cylinder system accounts for 50% of the engine frictional losses, of which 70% to 80% is attributed to the piston rings. Inadequate lubrication in the parts of the engine reduces the reliability of engines, since high wear, seizure, or catastrophic failure of the components may occur. Moreover, frictional losses adversely affect the economic use of fuel. Therefore, a marginal reduction in frictional losses enables economic fuel consumption and is a significant achievement. Of the various factors, the surface topography of the piston rings and cylinder liner dominates the lubricant flow between them and influences its tribological behaviour. Surface texturing, lubricant formulation, and lubricant additives have undergone significant technological advancements in recent times to satisfy the global requirements of reduced emission and improved fuel economy. One of the emerging technologies for significant improvement in the tribological properties of mechanical components is laser surface texturing. The precise control of the shape and size of the textures (dimples or grooves) and rapid processing rate makes laser surface texturing advantageous. This article reviews the theoretical and numerical methodologies developed to analyse the impact of surface texturing on the friction behaviour of piston ring–cylinder liner contact. In addition, the article presents future directions for the research work on improving the tribological performance of internal combustion engines. The present Part 1 of the article discusses the laser surface texturing process, and Part 2 reviews its use in piston ring–cylinder contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]