Monday, January 2, 2012

Desmodromic valve actuation





I really enjoy this style of drawing, and it fits perfectly to depict a desmodromic valve system. I think this is a Ducati system but Im not sure. Desmodromic valve systems are first mentioned in patents in 1896 by Gustav Mees, and in 1907 the Ariès is described as having a V4 engine with "desmodromique" valve actuation, but details are scarce. Basically a valve is opened as well as closed by a camshaft instead of being closed by a spring. This eliminated valve float and spring failures back when it was invented. Nowadays with pneumatic valve actuators this system is not really needed any more. I guess Ducati still uses it to continue some type of marketing thing.

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