Helical Technology Ltd
Contact Stress Analysis of a Mechanical Valve Rotator
Contact Stress Analysis
Helical Technology Ltd design mechanical valve rotators for use in engines to reduce wear, and to improve operating temperature distribution. As part of the design process, Wilde was asked to assess the performance of a rotator assembly.
Objectives
The FE analysis was performed to predict detailed stresses and deflections of the assembly components, including the ball, ball ring and disc spring. The analysis involved resolving contact issues and providing a realistic load distribution under given loads.
![](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fig-1-image-case-study-helical1-fea-contact-stress-assembly-mechanical-rotator-components.jpg)
The Modelling Process
The simulations, including geometry editing and meshing, were conducted using ANSYS. Exploiting cyclic symmetry conditions, a segment of the whole assembly was modelled to minimise the computational time. Constraint equations were specified to allow for the effect of the symmetry planes and assembly fixtures. The results were used to assess the assembly performance under defined loading conditions.
![](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fig-2-image-case-study-helical2-fea-contact-stress-assembly-mechanical-rotator-results.jpg)
The particular assembly that was evaluated is fitted into what we would consider to be a severe application. The study based on the FE analysis results demonstrated that there were no areas that are significantly highly stressed which in turn gives confidence with similar designs fitted to less demanding applications. The study that Wilde FEA performed for us gives us confidence to look for similar type of assistance in the future.
Rotator Design/Application Manager, Helical Technology
About Helical Technology Ltd
Helical Technology has been established for over 50 years and has a global presence with production facilities in the UK, India and China. With a background in the design and manufacture of springs, valve rotators and actuators, Helical is now a world leader in the design and manufacture of acoustic and EGR exhaust valves, and it has its own in-house Technical Centre.
ANSYS
![Ansys](/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ANSYS_logo-1.png)
Ansys Mechanical is a finite element analysis (FEA) software used to perform structural analysis using advanced solver options, including linear dynamics, nonlinearities, thermal analysis, materials, composites, hydrodynamic, explicit, and more.
Read MoreCustomer Stories
View all customer storiesTalk to us
Digital transformation is everything. Get it right! Talk to us. Our team is on hand to answer your questions.
Get in touch