“Once, for a brief period of success, we machined dimples into the sides of engine pistons, and we placed ‘TEFLON’ buttons in those depressions. After a few winning races, our competitors demanded a teardown. The sanctioning body made a new rule, banning the technique.”
This is freaking brilliant. And everytime I read about innovations like this, I understand there are plenty of people smarter than I am.
So I chased down the article and sure enough, it IS fascinating. So I ask you, why is dimpling not standard practice in commercial ICEs? Seems like the power and mpg gains would be fantastic.
“Why is dimpling not standard practice in commercial ICEs?”
Cost of manufacturing and maintenance, and probably warranties.
An imperfection in the cylinder wall, or “dirt,” could machine a button and thus, the piston skirt is offset a bit. Whereas, without the buttons, the engine would run longer.
Teflon in this case, not physically durable in the long run of an engine. Probably somewhere, there are a few test engines laying outside, rusting away in a junkyard. A stack of those, not getting past 1,000 or 5,000 or 15,000 miles, would end the project.
BTW, may interest:
Cummins Crankshaft grind n polish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuVPx9kC2Yk