Crankshaft High Cycle Bending Fatigue Research Based on a 2D Simplified Model and Different Mean Stress Models

Crankshaft is one of the most important parts in modern diesel engine. Usually, the strength of this part is improved by the electromagnetic induction quenching approach. In this paper, the high cycle bending fatigue property of the steel crankshaft after this treatment was selected as the object of study. First, a simplified 2D finite element model was built based on the structural features of the crankshaft to simulate the electromagnetic induction quenching process of a given type of steel crankshaft. In this way, the temperature and residual stress distribution property of the crankshaft can be determined at any time node during the process. Then the fatigue limit load of this crankshaft was predicted based on the results obtained in the previous chapter and the selected mean stress models. Finally, corresponding experimental verifications were conducted to check the accuracy of the predictions. Validations between the experimental results and the prediction showed that this that the combination of the simulation results and the Gerber mean stress model can obtain the fatigue property of this type of crankshaft accurately, thus was suitable for actual engineering applications.