Optimization design of the valve spring for abnormal noise control in a single-cylinder gasoline engine

To address the abnormal noise problem of single-cylinder gasoline engines in the idle condition, acoustic spectral and intensity analysis was carried out. Then the noises were identified as valve impact noises caused by the anomalous dynamic performance of the engine valve mechanism. To improve further the dynamic performance of the mechanism by optimization of the valve spring, a multi-body dynamic model of the valve mechanism was developed on the basis of the key performance and the structure parameters of the valve spring. By using the optimization strategy, the oscillation amplitude of the valve spring and the valve impact force can be reduced by about 62.5% and 27% respectively. Finally, optimized sample pieces were produced for acoustic verification tests. The obtained results showed that the engine’s overall working noise was reduced by about 2.0 dB(A), and the sound quality of the engine was determined using both objective measurements and subjective evaluation of the noise, vibration and harshness performance. It can be concluded that the valve impact noise can be reduced by optimization of the valve springs.