Piston rings are small components with massive responsibility—sealing combustion, managing oil, and minimizing wear. This course provides a deep dive into ring design, materials, coatings, and the complex interactions between rings and cylinder walls. Learners will gain practical insight into wear mechanisms, blow-by and oil consumption mitigation, and advanced measurement and validation techniques used in modern engine development.

• Understand piston ring terminology, layout, and function in two- and four-stroke engines.
• Analyze ring dynamics, sealing behavior, and wear mechanisms affecting performance and emissions.
• Apply measurement and modeling techniques to validate wear rates and improve ring-cylinder interaction.

• Mechanical and powertrain engineers involved in engine design, testing, or reliability analysis.
• Engineering students, ICE researchers, and enthusiasts seeking advanced knowledge of piston ring systems.
• Professionals in failure analysis, root cause analysis (RCA), or component validation roles.

Module 1: An Introductory Look

Module 2: Ring Design Details

Module 3: Temperature Control and Ring Dynamics

Module 4: Ring Movement and the Cylinder Wall

Module 5: Oil Transfer

Module 6: Ring and Cylinder Wall Wear Mechanisms

Module 7: Wear Rate Validation

Module 8: Measurement and Analysis

Kevin Hoag

Kevin L. Hoag holds Emeritus status with the University of Wisconsin and retired as an Institute Engineer from the Southwest Research Institute. Throughout his career which began at Modine Mfg. and then Cummins, Inc. he has focused on internal combustion engines, with emphases in thermodynamics, combustion and heat transfer. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin. He is a Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers. Today, Mr. Hoag resides in San Antonio, where retirement allows additional time to enjoy seven grandchildren and a passion for wildlife photography.