Static Force Analysis of Slider – Crank Mechanism
(a) One Known Force : (Refer Fig.8)
Consider a slider – crank mechanism with only one known force P
(due to the gas force on the piston) as shown in Fig.8(a). The system is
kept in equilibrium by a couple T 2 to the crank (link 2) through the shaft
at O2.It is required to find the forces on all the links and the couple
applied to the link 2.
The forces acting on the various links as shown in Fig.8(b) are :
1. The link 2 is subjected to two forces F 12, F32, and a torque T 2. Thus,
the link 2 has 3 unknowns (a) The force F32 known in direction
only ; (b) The force F12 unknown in magnitude and direction ; and (c)
the unknown moment exerted on link 2 by the crankshaft.
A wavy line placed at O2 indicates that the magnitude or direction of
the force F12 which acts through that point.
2. The link 3 is subjected to two forces F23 and F43.
3. The link 4 is subjected to 3 forces P, F34, and F14. The force P is
known in magnitude and direction, and the two forces F 34 and F14 are
not known in magnitude.
The link 4 which has only two unknowns is analyzed first.
These two unknown magnitudes can be found by drawing a force
polygon as shown in Fig.8(c).
From Fig.8(d) we note that F12 must be equal and opposite to F32
to balance the forces on the link 2. However, the two equal,
opposite, and parallel forces produce a couple which can be
balanced by another couple only. This balancing couple T 2 is equal
to (F32 h) where h is the perpendicular distance between the
forces F32 and F12. It is clockwise -- and -- it is the torque exerted
by the crankshaft on the link 2.
From the triangle of forces [Fig.8(c)] we have :
F34 = – F43 = F23 = – F32 = cb -- and -- F14 = bo.
The member (link) 2 shall be in equilibrium as shown in Fig.8(e)
if F12 is equal, parallel, and opposite to F23 -- and -- T = – F32 h.
The input torque = T2 = – T .
(b) Two Known Forces : (Refer Fig.9)
A slider – crank mechanism with two known forces P and Q is shown in
Fig.9(a). The force P is applied to the piston due to gas pressure -- and --
the force Q is applied to the link 3. It is required to determine the forces
in the links, and the torque T 2. The free body diagrams of the links are
shown in Fig.9(b).
Link 3 : This is a three – force member the forces being F 23, F43,
and Q. Let F43 be resolved into tangential and parallel components
Ft43 and F''43 respectively as shown in Fig.9(c). Now, consider the
equilibrium of link 3 by taking moments about the point B as :
Ft43 CB = Q sin α DB Ft43 = Q sin α . .
And, then Ft43 = – Ft34.
Link 4 : The forces acting on the link 4 are shown in Fig.9(d).
Here Ft43 and P are known in magnitude and direction. Therefore
their resultant is found as shown in Fig.9(e). First, draw F t43 and
P -- then -- draw F''34 ⊥r to Ft34 from b. Now, F14 is ⊥r to the
path of the slider (link 4) and passing through C. So, draw from o
a vertical line to intersect the previous line of F'' 34 at c. Thus, the
resultant force F34 is obtained from this force polygon. Therefore, F 43
= – F34 is also known now.
Again, consider the equilibrium of the link 3. There are three
forces F43, Q, and F23 -- out of which -- F 43 and Q are known
completely as shown in Fig.9( f ). Therefore, from the force polygon
shown in Fig.9(g) F23 can be determined in magnitude and
direction.
Link 2 : Here F23 = – F32 = F21 = – F12. Therefore from Fig.9(h),
the couple T2 can be determined as : T2 = F32 h (cw).
