Development of simulation technology for dynamic behavior of crankshaft systems in motorcycle engines

In order to improve durability and marketability of an engine and reduce the development period, a crankshaft system simulation technology was developed. A crankshaft and a crankcase are modeled using the finite element method (FEM). The models and a calculation model of the hydrodynamic reaction force of bearings are linked and the crankshaft behavior is calculated using numerical integration within the time domain. Therefore, this simulation technology enabled accurate prediction of the motion behavior of a crankshaft up to the high operating speeds that are unique to motorcycle engines. (C) 2002 Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc. and Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.