Design and Simulation of Cracks in A Four-Cylinder Engine Crankshaft Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

The translational motion of the piston was transformed into a rotational motion by the crankshaft. The combustion resulted in straight thrust in the piston was passed through the piston rod and pushed the crank pin, resulting in a rotational force on the crankshaft. In other words, the crankshaft received high loading and rotated at high speed in each cycle of work. Therefore, crankshafts should be made of high carbon steel with a high endurance limit. The major cause of failure is thermal fatigue since the contact between journal and bearing surface occurred. The contact may result from two reasons: problems of lubrication and use. Based on the factor of safety calculation, crank 1 and 4 were considered to meet the safety criteria because their positions were close to the support of the crankshaft