Analysis of Engine Main Bearing Excitation by Application of Cranktrain Modelling and Optimization Methods

The study presented in this paper is concerned with the application of a finite element based technique to deal with crankshaft-crankcase interaction. A finite element model of the crankshaft and the crankcase was developed and appropriately reduced. This model was used for a crankshaft optimization, strategy to analyse related effects on the NVH performance with focus on main bearing acceleration.

The crankshaft and the cylinder block were modelled using beam and shell elements with structural and dynamic properties correlated up to 1600 Hz. The interaction between crankshaft and the cylinder block was represented by using non-linear properties. Applying this model, the dynamic crankshaft and engine block behaviour and repercussion on NVH performance was analysed by investigating main bearing acceleration.