Numerical and experimental stress analysis of an internal-combustion engine valve during the closing event

This paper presents a numerical methodology to predict the stress evolution in an internal-combustion engine valve during the closing event. The problem is studied using a three-dimensional finite element model, showing that the seating process of the valve produces high bending stresses which are not demonstrated by two-dimensional models. The valve stem stress response under impact was registered experimentally using strain gauges and then compared with the finite element method solutions, showing good agreement. The main contribution of this paper is the identification of the factors which generate the development of impact stresses during the closing event in an internal- combustion engine valve and which could result in fatigue failure.