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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the maximum angular velocity and the corresponding angle of a connecting rod in a slider mechanism with an offset crank. Participants explore the dynamics of the connecting rod's motion, particularly focusing on the conditions under which maximum velocity occurs, and the implications of crank angles on this velocity. The conversation includes both theoretical and practical considerations related to mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the calculation of maximum angular velocity and the angle at which it occurs, providing initial parameters and calculations related to the connecting rod and piston velocity.
  • Another participant suggests that maximum velocity of the connecting rod occurs when it is tangential to the crank disc, specifically at 90 degrees to the crank arm, and questions the appropriate angle for an offset crank.
  • A participant calculates an angle of 98.13 degrees for maximum angular velocity based on sine triangle theory, relating it to the piston’s position.
  • Several participants discuss the relationship between the crank's tangential velocity and the connecting rod's motion, noting that maximum velocity occurs at specific crank angles, particularly at top dead center (TDC) and bottom dead center (BDC).
  • There is a suggestion that the angular velocity of the connecting rod is not necessarily maximum at the midpoint of its motion, indicating that this can vary depending on the specific mechanism.
  • One participant proposes a formula for calculating the velocity at a point on the connecting rod, suggesting that maximum angular velocity occurs when the angle between the crank and connecting rod is either 0 or 180 degrees.
  • Another participant agrees with the calculations and provides a specific angle measurement to the horizontal, indicating a level of consensus on certain calculations.
  • A request for velocity and acceleration diagrams indicates a need for further clarification on the mechanics involved in the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints regarding the conditions for maximum velocity of the connecting rod, with some suggesting it occurs at TDC and BDC while others caution against assuming this is universally true for all mechanisms. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views on the specifics of the calculations and conditions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of disregarding factors such as friction and inertia in their calculations. There is also mention of the need for precise definitions and assumptions regarding the geometry of the mechanism, which may affect the outcomes of their analyses.

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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