In this research, effects of profile changes of stem section of the plunger on the lubrication characteristics of a fuel injection pump (FIP) were evaluated by hydrodynamic lubrication analysis. The clearance between plunger and barrel was divided into two regions, head and stem. The head was not involved in preventing a decrease of fuel oil pressure. So, research efforts were focused on both edges of the plunger’s stem.
The two -dimensional Reynolds equation was used to evaluate lubrication characteristics with variations in viscosity, clearance and profile for a laminar, incompressible, unsteady-state flow. Moreover, the equilibrium equation of moment and forces in the vertical and horizontal directions were used to determine the motion of the plunger. The equations were discretized using the finite difference method. Lubrication characteristics of the FIP were investigated by comparing the dimensionless minimum film thickness, or film parameter, which is the ratio of minimum film thickness to surface roughness. Through numerical analyses, it is found that the profile of the lower edge of the stem had no effect on lubrication characteristics, but the profile of the upper edge had a significant influence on lubrication characteristics. In addition, changes in the profile were more effective in improving lubrication characteristics under low viscosity conditions.