Finite element simulation of a twin-cam 16-valve cylinder structure

In the present paper, a new twin-cam 16-valve cylinder head and block struc ture accompanied with several important sub-components under firing load an d assembly loads has been investigated using the finite element method. The finite element analysis was executed using a commercial finite element ana lysis software package, MSC/NASTRAN (trademark of MacNeal-Schwendler Corpor ation) and the finite element modeling and pre-post processing was carried out using a popular computer-aided engineering tool, I-DEAS (trademark of S tructural Dynamics Corporation). The physical behavior of the upstand desig n of gasket bead and liner, the stiffness distribution of cylinder head, th e preload of cylinder head bolts, the residual insertion loads of valve gui des and valve seats, and firing pressure have been thoroughly discussed. Me anwhile, the sealing and structural response analyses under assembly and fi ring load cases highlighted several areas of interest. Suggestions obtained from this project have been forwarded to designer successfully, for incorp oration of adjustment, and to other proper areas for design evaluation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.