ABSTRACT Spherical bearings have been used successfully in engines for some years. The spherical bearing geometry allows a simplified axisymmetric piston design; gradual rotation of the piston and rings results in axisymmetric sidewall wear, temperature distribution and thermal expansion. A previouslydescribed concept engine design incorporating a spherical joint piston was based on an existing production engine with a conventional cylindrical piston pin. Previously-developed finite element lubrication analysis methods are applied to both designs and predictive comparisons made. INTRODUCTION Spherical bearings have been used successfully in engines for some years. The large (400 mm bore) Sulzer Z40 series medium speed 4-stroke Diesel engine has a spherical piston bearing which has been well-documented by its maker The spherical bearing design allows a simplified axisymmetric piston design; gradual rotation of the piston and rings results in axisymmetric sidewall wear, temperature distribution and thermal expansion. Development of a low heat rejection Diesel engine sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE) and monitored by NASA-Lewis began at Cummins Engine Company in 1989 and ended around 1995 [3-8]. The LE-55 (Low Emission, 55% thermal efficiency) concept engine design incorporating a spherical joint piston was based on an existing Cummins L10 production engine with a conventional cylindrical piston pin. The Cummins L10 was a 10 liter 6 cylinder in-line Diesel engine produced for 15 years ending around 1998. The SCE (Single-Cylinder Engine) L10 version used for test purposes formed the basis for successful life tests of LE-55 hardware
