Crankshaft Design and Fatigue Analysis for Enhanced Internal Combustion Engine Performance: A Review

Abstract

One of the most essential moving elements of an internal combustion engine is the crankshaft, a big portion with a complicated geometry. A four-link mechanism generally turns the piston's linear reciprocating motion into rotational motion and vice versa. The crankshaft in an internal combustion engine transforms the linear reciprocating motion of the piston into rotary motion through a four-link mechanism. Operating under variable and complex conditions, it faces torsional loads from the inertia of rotating components and bending loads from gas pressure. The performance of the crankshaft is significantly impacted by fatigue caused by reversible cyclic loadings, which generate repetitive tensile and compressive stresses. These stresses can lead to fatigue, resulting in dangerous ruptures and damage. As one of the most highly stressed components, the crankshaft's fatigue performance and durability are critical in the design process. Fatigue is the primary cause of crankshaft failure in internal combustion engines. This review paper delves into crankshafts' design and force analysis, focusing on the fatigue phenomenon and exploring optimal design strategies to enhance performance and durability. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting crankshaft reliability and to present methodologies for improving its lifespan and efficiency in internal combustion engines.