Dynamic Finite Element Modelling of Valve Closing Events Leads to Improved Prediction of Loads and Greater Valve Durability With Fewer Design Iterations

BARSINGHAUSEN, Germany, Jan. 28, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Federal-Mogul Powertrain, a division of Federal-Mogul Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:FDML), has developed a simplified transient dynamic simulation model of valve closing action in order to predict dynamic loading on engine valves. By improving the accuracy of calculated deformation and stress under load, the technique enables valve fatigue life to be estimated more reliably and helps to ensure optimum material selection from the early stages of a new engine design.

A test rig developed by Federal-Mogul Powertrain enables actuation of a single valve as well as the evaluation of individual closing events. Different detail geometry, such as a waisted stem or conical head form, has a major influence on the stress distribution.

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“The dynamic loading during valve closing is a decisive factor in designing intake and exhaust valves,” says Gian Maria Olivetti, Chief Technology Officer, Federal-Mogul Powertrain. “With the new simulation method, we can quickly calculate the maximum expected valve loads, thus saving time and ensuring targeted development.”

In the design of intake and exhaust valves for combustion engines, especially those with a high degree of forced induction by supercharging or turbocharging, particular attention is paid to the loading conditions during valve closing. The valve drive system is often still under development as the valves are being designed for new engine projects, restricting valve manufacturers to using simplified simulation models which limit valve loading evaluation to the main parameters such as valve closing speed, valve spring return force and the clearance between valve stem and guide.

During the closing event, one side of the valve usually contacts the valve seat first, which can introduce heavy loading of the valve stem. The dynamic simulation model of the closing event, as developed and tested by Federal-Mogul Powertrain, enables precise calculation of these loads that in turn allows components to be configured optimally from the concept stage and life span to be determined more accurately.

As well as fatigue life calculations, the load values associated with valve closing derived from the transient dynamic FE simulation can also be used to evaluate and rank alternative valve designs, according to Dr. Guido Bayard, Director Technology Valves, Federal-Mogul Powertrain. “Different detail geometry, such as a stem undercut or conical underhead, has a major influence on the stress distribution,” he explains. “With our simplified FE simulation, we can quickly draw conclusions on maximum valve loading and likely fatigue failure, and make sound decisions on design and material at an early stage of development.”

The results derived using the simulation model have been confirmed by practical testing on a valve test rig developed by Federal-Mogul Powertrain which enables actuation of a single valve and the evaluation of individual closing events. The rig is better suited for the validation of the simulation model than a complete cylinder head for a number of reasons: it provides greater flexibility in the geometry that can be tested; it offers better controllability of the measurements and improved access for the measurement technology.

About Federal-Mogul
Federal-Mogul Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:FDML) is a leading global supplier of products and services to the world’s manufacturers and servicers of vehicles and equipment in the automotive, light, medium and heavy-duty commercial, marine, rail, aerospace, power generation and industrial markets. The company’s products and services enable improved fuel economy, reduced emissions and enhanced vehicle safety.

Federal-Mogul operates two independent business divisions, each with a chief executive officer reporting to Federal-Mogul's Board of Directors.

Federal-Mogul Powertrain designs and manufactures original equipment powertrain components and systems protection products for automotive, heavy-duty, industrial and transport applications.

Federal-Mogul Motorparts sells and distributes a broad portfolio of products through more than 20 of the world’s most recognized brands in the global vehicle aftermarket, while also serving original equipment vehicle manufacturers with products including braking, chassis, wipers and other vehicle components. The company’s aftermarket brands include ANCO^® wiper blades; Champion^® spark plugs, wipers and filters; AE^®, Fel-Pro^®, FP Diesel^®, Goetze^®, Glyco^®, Nüral^®, Payen^® and Sealed Power^® engine products; MOOG^® steering and suspension parts; and Ferodo^®, Jurid^® and Wagner^® brake products.

Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899 and maintains its worldwide headquarters in Southfield, Michigan. The company employs nearly 50,000 people in 34 countries. For more information, please visit www.federalmogul.com.

CONTACT

Paul Chadderton
Market Engineering
+44 (0)1295 277050
paul.chadderton@m-eng.com

Ursula Hellstern
Federal-Mogul Corporate Communications EMEA
+49 (611) 201 9190
ursula.hellstern@federalmogul.com

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