Which property of piston skirts helps in maintaining compression?

The property of piston skirts that helps in maintaining compression is primarily related to the material from which the piston is made. The material impacts several fundamental characteristics such as strength, thermal expansion, wear resistance, and friction. A piston skirt needs to be manufactured from materials that have good dimensional stability and thermal properties to prevent deformation under extreme conditions like high temperature and pressure, which are typical in an engine.

Being made of appropriate materials allows the piston skirt to fit snugly within the cylinder while also accommodating slight thermal expansion without compromising its shape or structural integrity. This snug fit is crucial for maintaining an effective seal, which in turn prevents the escape of gases and helps maintain the necessary compression within the combustion chamber. If the material properties are not suitable, compression could be lost due to increased wear or deformation over time, leading to decreased engine efficiency.

The other properties, such as thickness, shape, and cohesion, play their roles in overall performance and functionality, but it is the material that directly influences the ability of the piston skirt to maintain consistent compression levels through its structural and thermal characteristics.