Stress Distribution in a Crankshaft Crank Using a Geometrically Restricted Finite Element Model 2002-01-2183

It's aimed the analysis of the stress distribution inside a crankshaft crank typical of 1.0 (light) automotive engines, to evaluate the overall structural efficiency of the crank -stress homogenization and amount and localization of stress concentration points. Due to limitations in the computer resources available, the model of the crank was geometrically largely restricted. For the complete study, it was used two techniques, Finite Elements as the quantitative source of data, and Three-Dimensional Photoelasticity as a tool for qualitative validation of the real physical significance of the models adopted. The latter is not shown in detail. It's shown the geometrical model and the numerical results discussed. The motivation was the lack of such analyses for the more simple automobile crankshafts used in Brazil. The results show the crank as well optimized, with stress concentration restricted to the region of load application in the crank-pin bearing. From other three different geometries, it can be furthermore verified that certain partial changes in geometry can result an inverse effect, concentrating the stresses even more.