A Universal Simulation Tool for Reed Valve Dynamics

This paper presents a complete model and its implementation as a software tool for simulating the dynamic behavior of reed valves in compressors. A beam Finite Element model with up to 30 degrees of freedom was developed to cover the natural frequencies of the reed valve in conjunction with a contact model for reed stops of arbitrary shape. This algorithm is coupled with equations for compressor kinematics, lift dependent flow resistance and transient, pulsating flow through the cylinder head chambers and pipes. Thus, a closed model of the physical situation regarding a flexible reed valve, a solution for the contact problem with reed stops of arbitrary shape, coupled with the pulsating flow in the compressor’s chambers and associated upand downstream piping is available.