NEW CEMENT BASED MATERIALS FOR ENGINE CONSTRUCTION.

A study of new and unconventional materials for use in engine construction highlighted several interesting developments. One which stood out as providing useful physical properties but at low cost was the cement based material known as NIMS. A design study of a cylinder block molded from this material was undertaken and a novel construction method devised. In order to gain practical experience with the material, a valve cover for a four cylinder gasoline engine has been designed and manufactured. The cover is being developed on an engine in a test vehicle and shows potential for noise reduction with little or no increase in cost or weight.