Dynamic Simulation and Test Verifcation of Hydraulic Automatic Tensioner for an Engine Timing Chain Drive System

As a fundamental component of an automobile engine’s timing chain drive system, the hydraulic automatic tensioner signifcantly enhances fuel economy while minimizing system vibrations and noise. However, there is a noticeable lack of research on automatic hydraulic tensioners. This study presents a comprehensive calculation approach for the principal parameters of a hydraulic automatic tensioner. An efective method, grounded in hydraulics and multibody dynamics, was introduced for estimating the dynamic response of such a tensioner. The simulation model developed for the hydraulic tensioner is characterized by its rapid dynamic response, consistent operation, and high accuracy. The dynamic behavior of the tensioner was analyzed under varying boundary conditions, using sinusoidal signal excitation. It was observed that the maximum damping force increases with a decreasing leakage gap. Conversely, an increase in oil temperature or air content leads to a decrease in the maximum damping force. The reaction forces derived from these calculations align well with experimental results. This calculation and simulation approach ofers considerable value for the design of innovative hydraulic tensioners. It not only streamlines the design phase, minimizes the number of trials, and reduces product costs, but also provides robust insights for evaluating the performance of hydraulic tensioners.

Design and Application of Automatic Test System of Soil Water Characteristic Curve

[Objective] In order to better meet the requirement of crops on a more and more accurate water content under various planting environment of modern agri-culture, an automatic test system of soil water characteristic curve was designed by combining the conceptions of soil moisture content and soil water potential. [Method] Electronic soil moisture tension meter was used to determine the real-time tension value of soil moisture in the tested container, and the electronic Weigh sensor was used to determine soil Weigh. Minusing method was used to calculate soil moisture content, based on which the soil water characteristic curve was plotted. [Result] Through the filed survey of 2 different kinds of soil in Jiangsu Province, the results were as fol ows： soil of different composition showed different trend in soil water characteristic curve that the soil water characteristic relation of the sandy soil in the old course of the Yel ow River in Xuzhou was Y=-0.000 2X3＋0.027 7X2-1.644 5X＋38.161, R2=0.991 9; while the soil water characteristic relation of the saline-alkali soil in Jinhai Farm of Dafeng was Y=-0.00 2X2-0.426X＋39.905, R2=0.991 3. [Con-clusion] The automatic test system of soil water characteristic curve soil water char-acteristics curve could reflect soil moisture content and soil water potential, as wel as reflect the effectiveness of soil water to plant growth, providing basis for the sci-entific irrigation.