Until recently, the sheer enormity of manual computation has limited valve train design analysis to static models involving a few parameters. However, with today's high-speed electronic digital computers, the analyst can now perform a more comprehensive investigation.
A collection of mathematical expressions, which have been formulated, tested and revised, describe some condition, characteristic or actual part of a valve train. These expressions have been encoded to form a system of computer programs which model the valve train under study. This modeling simulates the test of maximum design limits in a safe and economical manner.
The success of such modeling in valve train development depends in part on the validity of the model concept and its symbolic representation. The development of a valid model is enhanced by the speed embodied in computer- aided procedures to conduct tests, analyze test data and present summary information.
The subject matter of this paper encompasses the nature and use of this model, explains how the model provides a better understanding of causal relations in the valve train, and presents a representative computer output used for analysis and summary purposes.