Optimal Design of High Speed Mechanical Systems

The trend towards higher performance mechanical systems has naturally led to the need to design such systems in an optimal fashion. Lighter components and higher operating speeds both demand a level of design a step above that provided conventionally. This paper describes a research effort aimed at developing the methodology for such system design. The methodology is based on accurate computer modeling, experimental validation, and robust optimal design strategies along with a parallel computing environment to produce optimal mechanical systems. As an example, a valve train mechanism used in high speed racing engines is analyzed and optimized. Experimental validation of the optimized designs is also presented.