Timing Drive Modelling in GT-SUITE for Multi-Body Analysis of High-Performance SI Engines

The proposed thesis work was developed within the company Powertech Engineering S.r.l., in the field of numerical simulation for the virtual modelling and calibration of components and systems mounted on internal combustion engines. The company (also identified as "PWT") operates in the field of powertrain development and optimization for xEVs and traditional engine powered vehicles thanks to the use of the GT-SUITE software, carrying out projects and works for important external customers in the automotive sector. The activity was carried out in collaboration with Automobili Lamborghini S.p.a. After the conclusion of a previous activity focused on the optimization of a single component (finger), thanks to the satisfactory results, the company Automobili Lamborghini S.p.a. decided to continue with this type of study, in order to model the entire timing drive system, including the detailed representation of the valvetrain, the chain drive and all the gears used to transmit the motion from the crankshaft to the camshafts. The primary goal was the definition of a modelling and calibration procedure to be adopted during the development of new engines. Thanks to the constructive details of the different components that have been provided by Automobili Lamborghini, it was possible to create the desired virtual model of the system, reproducing the performances of the real one. Preliminary results proved to be satisfactory in terms of stability and accuracy of the global operation of the system. The work ended with sensitivity analysis on the integrated model, in preparation for its calibration phase that will take place as soon as experimental data recorded on the engine will be available. The realized model and its results can then be used for various activities, including the system’s performance assessment, structural analysis for the evaluation of its robustness and duration, torsional vibrations analysis, and more in general the optimization of its various components design.