Dynamic Characteristic Calibration of a Hydraulic Lash Adjuster Model Using Unit Excitation Test

In order to simulate the valve behavior of an engine that uses a hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA), it is necessary to accurately reproduce the dynamic characteristics of the HLA in the model. Formerly, the model used values from drawings and values based on past experiences, and did not reflect actual driving conditions such as oil properties, leaked oil quantity, or oil aeration rate. We therefore developed a technique to reproduce HLA unit dynamic characteristics in a high-accuracy simulation. This representation was made possible using a unit excitation test to quantify the HLA unit dynamic characteristics in four categories: HLA stiffness, load response delay of the plunger, sinking displacement after relaxation, and lissajous curve of load vs. displacement. The effectiveness of this model calibration technique was confirmed through comparison of unit dynamic characteristics in a unit excitation test and a calibrated simulation.