Simulated Annealing Optimization over Continuous Spaces

A cylinder sleeve system for the cylinder block of a high output internal combustion engine includes a circumferential recess in the upper region of each cylinder bore wall that forms with a cylinder sleeve fitted in the bore an annular coolant chamber surrounding the upper region of the sleeve. The chamber has a shallow radial depth, preferably of constant cross section, so as to cause high, generally uniform velocity coolant flow through the chamber, thereby promoting rapid cooling of the upper region. Coolant discharged from the chamber flows to a coolant jacket surrounding the lower region of the cylinder sleeve, where it circulates at reduced velocity to effect slower cooling of the lower region. The coolant in the upper chamber is thus in direct contact with the sleeve while that in the coolant jacket is contained against such direct contact. The recess is sized and located such that the cylinder sleeve is directly supported by the cylinder bore wall over approximately the lower three-fourths of its length. This configuration permits sleeves of reduced wall thickness to be used.