COSMOS Helps Emerging Automotive Engine Technology Improve Fuel Economy and Reduce Emissions

Company Mechadyne Industry Automotive / Transportation Location United Kingdom Product Used COSMOSDesignSTAR Type of Analysis Linear Static More Details

The Challenge
Mechadyne was established in 1984 as an independent automotive technolgy development center. Since 1990, it has concentrated on technology for emissions and fuel economy. It has developed and acquired a portfolio of advanced automotive technologies that improve exhaust emissions, fuel economy and performance. Mechadyne's Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system is unique among emerging technologies because, if properly applied, it can make engines cleaner, more economical and more responsive.

To remain competitive, developers at Mechadyne needed to meet the diverse needs of both the US and European automotive manufacturers, and thus had a growing need for 'right first time' mock-ups. Time to market was also an important factor for Mechadyne.

The Solution
To get them to prototype stage, the designers have been using the comprehensive FEA capabilities of COSMOS. Mechadyne has been using COSMOS for about a year, with immediate beneficial effect. "COSMOS saves us valuable time in taking us to prototype stage," says Ian Methley, Technical Specialist at Mechadyne. "Especially now we don't have to do our FE studies manually. It used to be a day's job just working out the bending moments. Now it takes just 20 minutes, and you can redesign it again and again until you get it right."

"COSMOS is also very accurate, which for us was crucial for the design of the ideal Variable Valve Lift system. We wanted to build the valve train from aluminium, but we needed to make sure it was going to be strong enough. For us, design is a process, and COSMOS is now an integral part of that process.

Summary and Metrics:

• Reduced analysis time from one day to 20 minutes.
• Helps ensure prototypes are "right the first time"
• Optimized parts for weight and performance.