Questions to do with crankshaft of an engine

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    Crankshaft Engine
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework problem related to the mechanics of a truck engine's crankshaft and piston system. Participants are tasked with calculating various forces, angles, and torques based on given parameters, including pressure in the combustion chamber and dimensions of the engine components. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and technical explanations related to engine mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the force on the piston based on pressure and area, arriving at a value of 88,350 N.
  • Another participant questions the interpretation of the problem, specifically the phrase "downward force about the crankshaft axis of rotation," suggesting it may imply a torque calculation rather than a force calculation.
  • Clarifications are sought regarding whether the problem asks for force or torque, with references to conflicting wording in the test materials.
  • Some participants express confusion over the relationship between the force acting on the piston and the angle OAB, suggesting that the angle is determined by the lengths of the connecting rod and crankshaft rather than the force itself.
  • There is a discussion about the projection of forces, with one participant suggesting that the force transmitted by the piston to the connecting rod should be calculated using cosine of the angle, while others debate the correct approach to resolving forces in the context of the problem.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the calculations for torque and moments, with suggestions to clarify which force component should be used in these calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on several key points, including the interpretation of the problem statement, the correct approach to calculating forces and torques, and the relationships between the various components involved. Confusion remains regarding the correct answers to the homework questions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies between the test paper and the online test instructions, leading to uncertainty about whether to calculate force or torque. The discussion also highlights the need for clarification on the assumptions underlying the calculations, particularly regarding the angles and force components involved.

  • #31
CWatters said:
Correct.
No. The hypotenuse is larger than the other sides of the triangle. How can a component be greater than the whole?

It's possible you are confusing the mechanical geometry (where the con rod does look like the hypotenuse) with a vector component diagram where it isn't.

Consider this diagram..

View attachment 76882

I have marked a vector Fp and shown it's components in the X and Y directions. Does that make sense?
That makes sense now entirely! I see, thank you for all your help :) is there a way I can give you rep or something on this forum?
 
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  • #32
No worries. Happy Christmas!
 
  • #33
Merry Christmas! Have a good'n! Hope santa brings you lots of nice physics things! :P
 

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