Optimal design of cams (Q1610810)

The paper presents a methodology which is based on a constrained optimization algorithm where the constraints are the maximum valve lift and timing. The objective is to maximize the time integral of valve area opened to gas flow. Once the optimal lift is known, the cam profile can be developed using inverse kinematic analysis. Finally, the authors give results of experiments comparing devices made using the proposed methodology with those of usual cam design. The paper presents an interesting new approach to cam design. It should be of interest to both designers and kinematicians.