A simplified coupled crankshaft–engine block model

Modern highly loaded crankshafts and bearing improvement requires an accurate knowledge of the acting forces. This information is now provided by quick and robust design tools based on simplified coupled engine block–crankshaft models. In this paper, a model based on beam theory is proposed. Several considerations are addressed. Among these considerations are bearing misalignments, crankshaft bending stiffness, clearance, hydrodynamic sustention and bearing deformation stiffness. The model substitutes efficiently engine simulation in crankshaft and bearing preliminary design.