So you want to know how Desmodromic Valve Systems Work? Well, suit up and get ready for a fun ride!
With the eternal pursuit of high performance engines, efficiency and power is always being improved upon. Among the fantastic innovations that have pushed automotive and motorcycle engineering forward, the desmodromic valve system stands as some of the greatest ingenuity and precision engineering. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the bones of how a desmo valve works, looking at its mechanics and talking about its advantages. Are you ready? Let's GO!
What Are Desmodromic Valves?
You know what, we're glad you asked! Usually, internal combustion engines use a tried and true camshaft driven system to open and close valves, allowing an air and fuel mixture into the combustion chamber, and exiting through exhaust gases. This happens with the use of springs to both open and close the valves. With the emergence of desmodromic valve systems have changed the game of high performance engines, forever, and this is where we get to the cool part of the story.
Desmodromic valves were created by the awesomeness known as Ducati, in the 1950s. They take away the need for valve springs. Instead of springs, they use a dedicated mechanism to both open and close the valves with very precise timing. The mechanism consists of two cam profiles for each valve - one for the opening and another for the closing. Pretty awesome technology, right? We think so, so you should, too.
How Do Desmo Valves Work?
The Valve Opening: The heartbeat of the desmodromic system is the camshaft, which operates the valves through very specially designed cams. When it's time to open a valve, the camshaft turns, engaging the opening cam profile. As the camshaft turns, it also pushes against a rocker arm, giving a motion to the valve. This opens the valve against the force of any combustion pressure within the cylinder. Pretty neat hat trick, don't you think?
The Valve Closing: Unlike most engines where valve closure is done by springs, desmodromic systems have a separate closing cam profile on the camshaft. As the camshaft does its turn, the closing cam engages another rocker arm, pulling the valve shut with equal force. By controlling the valve's motion during both opening and closing, desmodromic systems keep very precise control over valve timing, and eliminate the possibility of valve float. Valve float is a situation where the valve spring loses control of the valve at very high engine speeds. Valve float = Not good.
So, What Are The Advantages of Desmodromic Valves You Ask?
First and foremost, Increased performance. By ending valve float, desmodromic systems let engines operate at higher RPMs without any real loss in dependability. This ends in an improved performance, especially in high performance situations, such as racing motorcycles and sports cars - and we know we all like that!
Second, Enhanced Efficiency. The more control over valve timing by desmodromic systems contributes to the optimization of the engine breathing, and then leading to much better fuel efficiency and power delivery across the entire RPM range. Pretty awesome.
Third, Reduced Wear and Tear. Unlike conventional valve springs that often break down over time, the complete removal of springs in desmodromic systems gets rid of the wear and tear on engine components, and that, dear reader, means better longevity and reliability.
So What Does It All Mean?
The desmodromic valve system is an amazing feat of engineering innovation of performance and efficiency. By completely re-engineering the traditional approach to valves , this technology has paved the way for modern advancements in automotive and motorcycle engineering, completely changing the boundaries of what's possible on the road and the racetrack. As more manufacturers continue to explore and embrace this technology, we can expect to see even greater and greater heights of engineering in the ever changing pursuit of motorcycle excellence.