UTA Studies
Robert L. Woods, Ph.D., now Chair in Automotive Engineering endowed by Paul Andrews, Jr., in the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautic Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington, and senior engineering students conducted several studies related to the CVD engine. The studies included determining the expected mileage rating of automobiles with the CVD engine compared to the same vehicles with conventional engines, and verification of the performance of the hydraulic valve actuation system.
Based on the current knowledge and design of the system, the wobble plate design is sufficient. Material for the wobble plate shall be chosen to have at least a 60 ksi yield strength to allow for load and thermal fatigue, given the ~20 ksi expected stress. A non-surface hardened product would be best to retain ductility and reduce fatigue failure possibilities since the worst loading region is subject to alternating bending stresses. Reduction in the 20 ksi stress may be possible through geometry redesigning at the rod connection area, specifically to increase thickness at the rod pin shoulder connection to the main body and/or include fillets as large as possible to disperse stress.
Analysis results are subject to a variety of assumptions at this early stage in the engine design. Values presented are the result of the best approximation of complex dynamic forces acting within the system, and shall be re-evaluated as necessary due to relevant package design updates and changes.
Donald E. Westerheide, Ph.D., MBA, Vice President Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, (Retired, now deceased) reviewed the design of the CVD engine and recommended possible applications.
Robert L. Woods, Ph.D., now Chair in Automotive Engineering endowed by Paul Andrews, Jr., in the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautic Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington.
