Abstract: | There are numerous wear problems associated with the use of pivoted cam follower valve train systems in modern high-speed automotive engines. These problems have led to the introduction of an increasing number of engines of this type as specification tests to assess the antiwear performance of lubricants. Critical conditions for wear in these systems have been identified by the application of a steady-wear process model to the kinematic analysis of the cam/follower contact cycle. The positions of maximum wear identified by this technique showed better agreement with worn engine components than the more commonly used criteria of maximum contact pressure and oil film thickness. |