Slide 1. Introduction.
The class develops what the crankshaft is and how it works.
Slide 2. Car crankshaft, what is it and how does it work.
The crankshaft constitutes a fundamental part in the intricate machinery of automobile engines. Its correct functioning ensures optimum engine performance and vehicle efficiency. Maintaining and understanding this part is essential to prolonging engine life and preventing costly breakdowns.
Its design, composed of elbows and counterweights, makes the whole car work. But what is its function in this system and what are its parts.
- What is the crankshaft and what is its function?.
The crankshaft is a fundamental part of a car engine. It is located inside the engine block and its main function is to convert the reciprocating linear motion of the pistons into rotary motion. This rotary motion is what ultimately drives the vehicle.
As the pistons move up and down inside the cylinders, the crankshaft transforms that motion into a circular rotation. This rotation is transmitted through the flywheel and transmission system to ultimately move the vehicle's wheels and provide the power needed to move the vehicle.
In addition to this main function, the crankshaft also has other important roles, such as balancing the forces generated by the moving pistons and providing connection points for engine components such as connecting rods and pistons.
- Wear and maintenance of the crankshaft in an engine.
Given the constant friction between the elements that make up the crankshaft, it is common for some wear to occur, mainly in the bearings, which can be solved by replacing the worn ones with new ones.
When this wear affects the bearings or crankpins, a more thorough repair will be necessary to avoid engine failure and expensive long-term repairs.
- Key parts of the crankshaft and its internal structure.
The crankshaft, being an integral part of the engine, appears as a driveshaft with cranks, crankpins and arms.
Each crankpin is connected to the connecting rods by pistons, generating linear motion in the cylinders, and ultimately, transforming this motion into the desired circular rotation of the crankshaft. Among the outstanding components are:
- Shaft.
Central element that acts as a support and allows the crankshaft to rotate.
- Crankpin.
Holds the heads of the connecting rods, providing stability.
- Arm.
Connects the shaft to the crankpin and determines the stroke of the connecting rod.
- Crankshaft counterweights and flywheels.
They help minimize irregularities caused by shaft movement.
- Bearings.
Supports that join the crankshaft to the engine block, with thermal resistance and precision to ensure optimum performance.
- Crankshafts according to their types and applications.
Automotive crankshafts can vary in design and features depending on the specific engine type and application. Here are some common types of car crankshafts and their applications:
- Inline four-cylinder crankshaft.
This is the most common type of crankshaft, used in inline four-cylinder engines. The crankshaft has four crankshafts, one for each piston, arranged in line.
- In-line six-cylinder crankshaft.
Similar to the above, but with six crankpins to accommodate six pistons. Commonly found in inline six-cylinder engines.
- V6 crankshaft.
Designed for V6 engines, this type of crankshaft has crankshafts arranged in two banks, with three crankpins in each, forming a V-angle.
- V8 crankshaft.
Similar to the V6 crankshaft, but with additional crankpins to accommodate eight cylinders, typically with four crankpins on each bank.
- Flat crankshaft.
This type of crankshaft is used in high-performance and sport engines. The crankshafts are arranged in the same plane and have an alternating firing sequence between the cylinders. It is used in V8 engines and some high-performance engines of other types.
- Counter-rotating crankshaft.
This type of crankshaft is used in engines with opposed cylinders, such as boxer engines. The crankpins are arranged on opposite sides of the crankshaft, allowing the pistons to move in opposite directions.
These are just a few examples of common crankshafts in automobiles, but there are many more variations and designs depending on engine configuration and manufacturer specifications. Each type of crankshaft is designed to suit the specific needs of the engine in terms of performance, efficiency and durability.
Slide 3. Thank you for your time.
The class has developed what the crankshaft is and how it works, see you soon.
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