Comparative Evaluation and Optimization of 4-Cylinder CI Engine Camshaft Material Using Finite Element Analysis: A Hybrid MOORA Technique and Taguchi based Desirability Function Analysis Approach

Abstract

Camshaft is one of the vital parts in the I.C. engines of automobiles. The cam shaft and its allied parts i.e. push rods, rocker arms, valve springs and tappets regulates the opening and closing of intake and exhaust valves. It acts as a timing device that governs the setting the valve overlap that arises at TDC (Top Dead Centre) of the exhaust stroke. The shaft is made with some journals that ride on bearings inside the engine. The camshaft is certain to crankshaft rotation by a timing chain, timing belt or timing gears. Any failure in the camshaft drive can cause the valves to make contact with the piston crowns, leading to extensive internal damage. In this paper, optimization of existing automobile camshaft material using different composition of metal matrix composite is studied. This study focuses on optimizing the camshaft by selection of the best material along with the loading condition by employing MOORA technique and Taguchi based Desirability Function Analysis approach to minimize the maximum stress, maximum deformation and maximum strain obtained. Analysis has been conducted using the Taguchi’s design of experiment; L16 orthogonal array in ANSYS 17.2. The developed predictive model is used to search for an optimal setting. It will not only help in designing it faster, but also help in developing more specific camshaft which would be beneficial in larger displacement engines.