Torsional vibration analysis of crank train with low friction losses

High level of mechanical efficiency is exacted from internal-combustion engines. The reduction of friction losses of crankshaft main bearings can significantly contribute to the enhancement of this efficiency. For this purpose, an innovative design of a crankshaft is developed. The potential of computational modelling during the development of this innovative crank train is described in the article. The dynamics of the whole crank train is solved by using a multi-body system software, where flexible finite-element bodies along with hydrodynamic bearings are incorporated. Regarding the simulation results, attention is paid to the torsional vibration and its analysis, including concept design of a torsional damper, because a reduction of friction losses is associated with the improvement of torsional vibration in this case