Camshaft (CAM) Spring Performance & Characterization

ME103 Experimentation and Measurements Final Lab Project:

Abstract: Camshaft (CAM) performance is heavily reliant on valve spring type and spring performance. In this experiment, we tested various types of springs with repeated loads to analyze their performance. We tested and compared five types of springs on a CAM machine to study the stiffness, stability, and force response based on factors such as spring diameter and damping, to identify the most optimal spring design for functionality: inner spring, outer spring, combined (inner + outer) spring, spring with damper, and a spring without damper. The springs are characterized and then tested with varying loads on the CAM machine. Through analysis of the spring characterization and CAM results, it was found that dampened springs are better for high-load CAM applications, whereas coupled (inner + outer) springs are great for mid-range loads and optimum valve control.

My Responsibilities within group project:
- Spring characterization data collection: operating Universal Testing Machine (UTM) compression test stand with LVDT and load cell, along with associated LabVIEW software
- Spring characterization data post-processing and statistical analysis via Python
- Operating CAM machine LabVIEW data collection
- CAM data post-processing
- Organizing in-person test scheduling with machine shop staff
- Delegating deliverables to meet required deadlines
- Developing a polished slide presentation, written report deliverable formatted in LaTeX

Technologies Used: LabVIEW, Python, Jupyter Notebook, LaTeX