Maximum Velocity of a Con-Rod with Off-set Crank.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum angular velocity of a connecting rod (con-rod) using an offset crank mechanism. The crank operates at an angular velocity of 300 RPM (10π rad/s), with a crank shaft radius of 50mm and a connecting rod length of 200mm. Key findings indicate that the maximum velocity of the con-rod occurs when it is tangential to the crank disc, specifically at angles of 0° or 180°, corresponding to the top dead center (TDC) and bottom dead center (BDC) positions of the piston. The participants also utilized trigonometric calculations to determine the optimal crank angle for maximum angular velocity, concluding it to be approximately 98.13°.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular velocity and linear velocity concepts
  • Familiarity with crank-slider mechanisms
  • Basic trigonometry, particularly sine and cosine functions
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations related to rotational motion
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  • Study the dynamics of crank-slider mechanisms in mechanical engineering
  • Learn about kinematic analysis of connecting rods in offset crank systems
  • Explore the application of trigonometric functions in mechanical motion analysis
  • Investigate the effects of inertia and friction on angular velocity in mechanical systems
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Mechanical engineers, automotive engineers, and students studying kinematics or dynamics of machinery will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the mechanics of connecting rods and crankshafts.

MorgansRocks
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How do you calculate the Maximum Anglular Velocity (and angle at which this occurs) of a connecting rod which uses a slider-mechanism with an offset crank?

ω = 300 rpm, 10\pi rad s-1
crank shaft, r = 50mm (0 → A)
connection rod, l = 200mm (A → B)

When crank angle = 45 degrees, the connection rod is horizontal and in-line with the piston.


I have calcualted, at 45 degrees, the velocity of the piston relative to 0 (1.11 m s-1) and the angular velocity of the con-rod, AB about A. (5.55 rad s-1 using a vector diagram for v, and ω=v/l

Not really looking, for an answer just a point in the right direction. Not came across a problem with an off-set crank before and don't really know where to start.


Thanks
 
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I think on a conventional crank the connecting rod is going at maximum velocity when the connecting rod is tangential to the crank disc (eg 90 degrees to the crank arm). In that position the connecting rod is going in the same direction as the crank pin. At other times the crank pin is going in a slightly different direction. I think I've got that right.
 
CWatters said:
I think on a conventional crank the connecting rod is going at maximum velocity when the connecting rod is tangential to the crank disc (eg 90 degrees to the crank arm). In that position the connecting rod is going in the same direction as the crank pin. At other times the crank pin is going in a slightly different direction. I think I've got that right.

Thanks CWatters,

Yeah, I think you are right, if inertia and friction are disregarded, as both the velocity of the piston and the tangetial velocity of the crank will be in the same direction. Would therefore, the appropriate crank angle for a off-set crank be 90°, perpendicular, to the angle at which the piston is at full extension/retraction, ie. when the velocity of the piston is 0?

I calculated this angle using sine triangle theory to 8.13°, making the angle of maximum angular velocity 98.13°.
 
Best ignore my first post as I got totally mixed up somehow.

Take a look at the enclosed diagram. It shows a general offset crank not the one in the problem.

GC is the connecting rod
CO is the crank

At any instant the connecting rod is rotating about the Gudgeon pin G.
At the other end the crank is rotating with velocity V tangential to the crank disc.
The velocity at 90 degrees to the connecting rod is Vcos(∠OCG). That's a maximium when ∠OCG = 0 or 180. Which is also TDC or BDC
 

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CWatters said:
At any instant the connecting rod is rotating about the Gudgeon pin G.
At the other end the crank is rotating with velocity V tangential to the crank disc.
The velocity at 90 degrees to the connecting rod is Vcos(\angleOCG). That's a maximium when \angleOCG = 0 or 180. Which is also TDC or BDC

Thanks, CWatters, that makes sense mathematically, since cos 0,180 = 1,-1.
 
Sorry to go on, but does the maximum velocity of the connecting rod occur at TDC, & BDC, because at that instant there is no horizontal velocity (piston movement)? Therefore, 100% of the tangential velocity of the crankshaft (OC) is utilised to move the connecting rod (CG), obviously disregarding friction, inertia, etc.
 
does the maximum velocity of the connecting rod occur at TDC, & BDC, because at that instant there is no horizontal velocity (piston movement).

No you can forget what the piston end is doing. It's all about the other end..

Imagine you were sat riding on the gudegeon pin looking towards the crank end. From that viewpoint..

1) the GP end appears statationary
2) the crank end appears to waggle left and right as per the attached drawing.

The angular velocity would be zero when it changes direction and a maximium "somewhere" inbetween. It would be dangerous to assume that the fastest point was exactly in the middle as in some situations it might not be..

To work out the angular velocity you need to know the velocity with which the far end is moving back and forth by writing an equation for the velocity shown dotted. Note that this is not the same as the crank velocity. It varies with the position of the crank. See previous drawing for the trig used.

Then when you have the equation you work out when the equation is at a maximium.

It so happens that this is when the piston is at TDC or BDC but for other types of machine it might not be.
 

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Last edited:
CWatters said:
To work out the angular velocity you need to know the velocity with which the far end is moving back and forth by writing an equation for the velocity shown dotted. Note that this is not the same as the crank velocity. It varies with the position of the crank. See previous drawing for the trig used.

Then when you have the equation you work out when the equation is at a maximium.

It so happens that this is when the piston is at TDC or BDC but for other types of machine it might not be.



Thanks for your reply, again.

Ok, so the velocity, v, at point C would be:

vC=rOCOC.cos(180-\angleOCG), so would be at a maximum when \angleOCG)=0° or 180°.

and therefore, angular velocity, ωC, would be:

ωC=vC/lCG

I think.
 
I agree.

I made the angle = Tan-1(50cos(45)/(50+200) = 8.05 degrees.

Edit: I mean 8.05 degrees to the horizontal
 
  • #10
Thanks for your help.

Much appreciated.
 
  • #11
CWatters or MorgansRocks do you have the velocity diagrams and acceleration diagrams for this question? Its thrown me a little since its a set up I am unfamiliar with.
 

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