An Improved Method of Accelerated Crankshaft Fatigue Testing for Reciprocating Aircraft Engines

The opportunities made available by modern materials present significant potential for improvements in reciprocating aircraft engines used in general aviation aircraft. The introduction of these advancements however should also assure that all aspects of the proposed design are demonstrated to be safe, including long-term durability to fatigue loads with a demonstrated factor of safety. A method of fatigue testing for steel crankshafts is presented that balances the need for demonstrated long-term durability with the economics inherent to such testing. A case study demonstrating the use of this method is also given.