A theoretical method for structural design and analysis of crankshafts

The crankshaft is the crucial mechanical component in many machines and engines and its fatigue assessment is often very time consuming and expensive. The machine designer usually needs a simple theoretical model that would allow choosing the best material and the dimensions of the component in a quick and reliable way. The numerical finite element simulation of crankshafts should follow the first step of theoretical dimensioning with the aim of evaluating the stress-strain behaviour at the notched area to verify the component against fatigue failure. The development of an intermediate theoretical model would prove effective to reduce the time needed to reach a second approximation design of the crankshaft. The aim of this paper is to give the designer a theoretical procedure that allows determining the strain and stress state for verification of crankshafts. The model was developed in the case of crankshafts with two connecting rods and validated by means of numerical finite element modelling and analysis.