Cam Profile Design of Low-Speed Marine Diesel Engine Based on the Grey Theory

Abstract The camshaft profile is one of the important parameters of the engine, the reasonableness or otherwise of its design directly influences the engine’s power output, fuel consumption, emissions, noise and reliability. However, most existing cam profile optimization designs are based on the basic software operation, profile parameter selection and tuning lack a scientific theoretical basis. In order to address this issue, this study establishes a single valve kinematic model of the gas delivery mechanism of diesel engines by using the AVL-EXCITE Timing Drive, and performs a model-based multinomial kinematic acceleration cam profile design. Subsequently, an orthogonal design method is employed to obtain the parameter combinations that can satisfy the dynamic requirements. The research investigates the influence of cam profile design parameters ( C 4 , p, q, r , and s ) on valve fullness, maximum jerk, cam contact stress, and valve seating force through a systematic study. Lastly, based on the grey correlation theory, a thorough analysis of the performance indices of cams with different profile parameter combinations is conducted. The optimization problem of the profile parameters with multiple performance indicators is transformed into a single-objective grey relational optimization problem, resulting in the optimal cam profile parameter combination of C 4 =0.1, p =14, q =20, r =28 and s =36. The optimal method proposed in the paper is straightforward to implement and is applicable to the optimum design of cam profiles of the engine, which is of great importance for the optimal design of cam fabrication processes.