Automotive Science and Engineering

In this paper, Front Engine Accessory Drive (FEAD) system of automotive engine is modeled with ADAMS software. The model is validated using engine test data. It is then used to investigate the effect of design parameters on the system performance such as belt vibration and loads on the idlers. Three alternative layouts were developed in order to improve the performance of original EEAD system. The validated model was used to study the effect of changes made to the layouts on the reduction of vibration and loads. Several system outputs indicated that for the modified layouts, large reductions in vibration and loads were achieved. It was concluded that one of proposed layouts was more appropriate and could be a useful substitution to the original layout. The developed model also proved useful for the design of engine FEAD systems and could be used for further developments.