Molecular dynamics study of the scratching property of the tetrahedral amorphous carbon coating on the piston ring

• Published in: Molecular physics Vol. 123; no. 12
• Main Authors: Zhao, Xiaowei, Lü, Yanjun, Chen, Ruibo, Yang, Xinliang, Zhang, Yongfang, Kang, Jianxiong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 18.06.2025
• Subjects: internal combustion engine; molecular dynamics simulation; piston ring; Scratching property; ta-C coating
• ISSN: 0026-8976; 1362-3028
• DOI: 10.1080/00268976.2024.2420689

In order to reduce friction and wear of the piston ring-cylinder liner system of the internal combustion engine, the tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) coating on the piston ring is considered. The scratching properties of the ta-C coating and diamond ball are studied by molecular dynamics simulation. The atomic configuration, surface morphology, RMS roughness, friction force, coefficient of friction, wear rate, and normal stress of the ta-C coating are analysed under different scratching depths, substrate temperatures, and scratching velocities. The interatomic interactions are described using the second nearest-neighbour modified embedded-atom method potential, as well as Tersoff potential and Lennard-Jones potential. The simulation results show that the ta-C coating exhibits excellent scratching properties. The scratching depth has a significant effect on the scratching property of the ta-C coating, while the substrate temperature and scratching velocity have a relatively small effect.