Advanced Spring Dynamics
Spring dynamics with distributed mass, stiffness and coil contact.
Solutions
Valvetrain Simulation
GT-SUITE provides many tools to the valvetrain engineer, from single valvetrain layout and kinematics to full multi-cylinder camshaft dynamics
Solution Overview
Optimal Tool for Valvetrain Engineers
Contact stress, spring fatigue, and friction can be analyzed at multiple levels of fidelity. What sets GT-SUITE apart is the ability to quickly scale the scope of the model as needed.
Since the camshaft model is built from the same building blocks as the crankshaft, that means bearing, torsional and bending analysis is built in. Flexible finite element bodies can be added to replace rocker arms or swing cams. Mechanical valves can even natively link to engine flow valves in a one-step process.
Application Highlights
Advanced Valvetrain Modeling and Analysis
- Models conventional and variable lift mechanisms
- Multi-polynomial and hybrid (polynomial and spline) valve lift curve synthesis (cam design)
- Valvetrain kinematic and quasi-dynamic analysis
- Valvetrain multi-body dynamics: rigid and flexible bodies
- Higher-level, expert-system valvetrain toolbox (cam, valve, lifter, rocker, finger, pushrod, HLA) + general 2D/3D shapes
- Visualization and animation of valvetrains
- Single branch or complete multi-cylinder valvetrain
- Camshaft torsional vibrations (time and frequency domain)
- Camshaft bending and bearing oil films
Advanced Features
Valvetrain Modeling Features
Comprehensive capabilities for valvetrain modeling, dynamic analysis, and design optimization.
Tribology and Contact Durability Analysis
Tribology and Friction: Hertz stress, deformation, oil film thickness, and wear at contacts.
Integrated Hydraulic System Modeling
Hydraulics: lash adjusters, cam phasers, hydraulic valve actuation.
Flexible Body Integration via FEA Import
Import reduced flexible body models from commercial FEA tools.
Mixed 2D/3D Modeling
Transition elements for mixed 2-D/3-D modeling.
High-Speed ODE Integration
Multiple ODE integrators for fast runtime.
Valvetrain FAQs
Common questions about valvetrain analysis, data requirements, and cam design in GT-SUITE.
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What types of valvetrain analysis does GT-SUITE support, and how do I know which level is right for my project?
GT-SUITE supports four levels of analysis, kinematic, quasi-dynamic, rigid multi body dynamic, and full flexible multi body dynamic, so you can match simulation fidelity to your actual engineering need. A concept stage cam design typically starts with kinematics, while detailed spring fatigue, Hertz contact stress, or camshaft bending investigations call for higher fidelity models. The architecture is designed so you can scale up without rebuilding from scratch.
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What data do I need to get started with a valvetrain simulation?
At minimum, a cam or valve lift profile along with basic valvetrain geometry, component dimensions, contact radii, and lash, is enough to run a kinematic analysis. Moving toward quasi-dynamic or full multi-body analysis will require component masses, spring specifications, and tribological properties like oil data and surface friction coefficients. If material properties are known, GT-SUITE can estimate certain stiffness values internally, which helps reduce the data burden early in the design process.
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Can GT-SUITE model the valvetrain as part of a complete engine system, or does it operate in isolation?
The valvetrain model integrates directly with GT-SUITE’s engine performance, cranktrain, timing drive, lubrication, and bearing modules, all within a single simulation environment. Mechanical valves can be natively linked to engine flow valves in one step, and cylinder pressure loads can be applied directly to the valve assembly. As a result, valvetrain behavior gets evaluated under realistic operating conditions rather than simplified boundary assumptions.
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How does GT-SUITE handle cam profile design, and can it support variable lift mechanisms?
GT-SUITE includes dedicated cam design tools that support multi-polynomial and hybrid polynomial-spline lift curve synthesis, giving engineers precise control over cam profile shape and its derivatives. Both conventional and variable lift mechanisms are supported, including a general kinematics library for non-standard configurations. Profile synthesis and downstream dynamic analysis happen in the same environment, so design iterations feed directly into performance validation without moving data between separate tools.
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