Effect of alloying elements on surface temperature field of aluminum piston in diesel engine

•The piston surface temperature was measured by hardness plug calibration method.•Thermal properties of three Al-Si piston alloys with different alloying element contents were evaluated.•Thermal diffusion coefficient, specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity were measured.•Temperature distribution of piston key locations was comparably studied with FEM and experiments.•Properly controlling contents of alloying elements of piston material will increase high tem. performance.