Design Modification of Engine Crank Shaft Assembly

Abstract

The crankshaft is a compact revolving element present in IC engines that transform the rectilinear motion of the piston into continuous rotary motion. The proper design and assembly of the crankshaft can ensure the smooth conversion of mechanical energy from reciprocating pistons to the drive system. The power dissipation, energy losses, noise, and vibration that are produced during operation directly affects the efficiency of the vehicle. The existing design of the crankshaft is a track-proven model for many decades. The manufacturing process of this involved large number of machining operation. Even though, during the long course of application, the crankshaft assembly produces some noise, vibration that leads to discomfort in ride and sharp fall in mileage of the vehicle that reduces efficiency. In order to overcome these problems, the design modification is done to improve the life and performance of the crankshaft assembly. A detailed study and analysis of the existing model are undertaken. Based on the experimental and analytical reviews; suitable design modification is made to suit the compact assembly in place of existing high weight and large crankshaft assembly. In the present work, design modification and numerical investigation of a crankshaft assembly is carried out. This crankshaft assembly is used mainly in a single cylinder, four strokes internal combustion engine. The stress comparison study is carried out between the existing design and the modified design by doing finite element analysis. The result shows that the modified design exhibits better performance and low stress than the existing model.