Valve-train dynamics: a simplified tribo-elasto-multi-body analysis

This paper presents a model of a cycloidal cam-flat follower pair. The model incorporates the inertial elements, the assembly constraint functions and the sources of compliance in the valve train. The sources of compliance include the valve spring characteristics, including the spring surge effect under dynamic conditions, as well as the contact compliance between the cam and the flat follower. The contact domain is treated as a counterformal concentrated lubricated region subjected to an elasto-hydrodynamic regime of lubrication (EHL). The prevailing contact geometry is one of finite line contact. The paper presents the results of simultaneous solution of the Lagrangian dynamics for the non-linear constrained system, together with an approximate quasi-static elastohydrodynamic solution of the lubricated contact conjunction at each time step by an extrapolated oil-film thickness formula for combined entraining and squeeze film action. The effect of spring surge on the contact separation and residual vibrations of the system are investigated, as well as the lubricant pressure distribution and film thickness, including during start-up and acceleration.