Next, we must find an equation for x, the distance from the center of the flywheel to the bottom of the piston. For instance, we can apply the law of sines to this triangle, found between the flywheel and piston: In order to help simplify them a little more, it is important to notice a few relations. But looking at these equations, we can see that there are many different variables to work with, including a few derivatives. This will be our main equation of rotation.Īt this point, we are working our way towards acquiring a representation of Q We can substitute this equation into our moment equation, giving us: Now, if we solve the force equation for –F AB, We can simplify the moment equation, employing the use of the double-angle trigonometric formula: In particular, we are interested in summing forces in the "x" direction (horizontal), and summing the moments about the center of the flywheel. Given this, we can split this system into two free-body diagrams:įrom these free-body diagrams, we can apply Newton’s Second Law (F=ma) to write some equations. In effect, many of the same calculations could be performed on a more sophisticated system, but this will suffice for the time being.įrom an understanding of statics, we can represent the connecting rod of length "l" by a two-force member (this requires a few more assumptions, but for purposes of this project, it is acceptable). The crankshaft, while in actuality having a very functional mass distribution, will be considered simply a circle (or if it is easier to visualize, a flywheel). Only one connecting rod-piston assembly will be considered. So, to simplify, this project will neglect momentum and gravity.
![four hundred years transmit failure four hundred years transmit failure](https://venturebeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Screenshot84_photos_v2_x4.png)
First of all, it is necessary to point out that the actual dynamics of such a system are tremendous, and to model all of them in one project would be quite a task. Now that we are all on the same page, the assumptions for this project can be discussed. So, it is easy to see that the connecting rod harnesses all of the power produced in combustion and converts it into something useful, in this case a spinning shaft. The combustion occurs against the top surface of the piston (F) and pushes the connecting rod (G) downward, causing the shaft to move in a circular motion. Surface "L" is where combustion occurs, air enters through "M", and "H" is the shaft through which power is accumulated and delivered out of the engine.
![four hundred years transmit failure four hundred years transmit failure](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SUxaEAKSKZY/hqdefault.jpg)
However, before too much more is said on the engineering details, a little background information is necessary.īelow is a picture of the fundamental parts of an engine. It will become apparent exactly why these parts are so important to the operation of an automobile, and furthermore how prone to failure they can be. Throughout the course of this project, an idealized model of a connecting rod, piston, and flywheel will be modeled and analyzed. But simply saying that isn’t enough to fully understand the dynamics of the situation. It is no surprise that a failure in a connecting rod can be one of the most costly and damaging failures in an engine. Being one of the most integral parts in an engine’s design, the connecting rod must be able to withstand tremendous loads and transmit a great deal of power. In this project, one component of an engine in particular, the connecting rod, will be analyzed. But exactly what happens inside an engine, and what are the risks involved in designing the strongest engine on the block? The auto manufacturers are well aware of this, and to achieve it, they design faster, lighter, and more efficient engines to do the job. Often times, the smile is created by a quick punch of the accelerator and accompanied by a feeling of immense power and control. The vast majority of people want a vehicle that will get them from point A to point B as easily as possible, but also put a little smile on their faces. High performance is now the catch phrase.
![four hundred years transmit failure four hundred years transmit failure](http://www.soundfinder.jp/img/products/102142/1358866800/50ff6b5a-fcd0-49a1-9a71-15f87697bade/733161.jpg)
In the last 50 years, cars have learned to think, adjust, and even protect. But for the early automotive engineers, the tremendous advancements in automotive technology would be even more surprising. A time without the simplicity of hopping into a vehicle to take us anywhere we want to go is almost unfathomable to many Americans. In order to understand the true impact the automobile has had on our society, we would have to go back in time over one hundred years. Tension and Compression in Connecting Rods