Suppose you had infinitely variable valves. How would you go about optimizing the variables such as overlap, lift, duration, etc. so that the valves are optimized at each specific rpm? Is there any way to accurately model it? Or would you have to do it with CFD software?
With a valve control that is truly infinitely variable, there are lots of operating variables that can affect optimum valve timing, duration and lift. You mentioned RPM, but there is also load, temperatures, pressures, mixtures, etc. It is now quite practical to accurately model recip. engine performance, although the software applications needed are not inexpensive.
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Still, the modelization wont be better than 2% in presicion, thats a lot of engine power, dont you think?
The main problem still is the modelization of pipe internal waves, that needs to be accurate if you want to optimize an infinite variable valvetrain. Those waves varies with speed of sound, wich varies with pipe geometries, pressure and temp, wich varies with car speed through aerodynamics...
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