In a reciprocating engine, the crankshaft is responsible for the crank mechanism. The crank mechanism converts the vertical movement of the piston to a rotational movement.
The connection between the crankshaft and piston is formed by the connecting rods. Their reciprocal movement compensates the off-sets of the crankshaft. Extreme forces – torque and bending loads – act on the crank mechanism. These forces undergo extreme changes in very short time intervals. The resulting vibrations place the crankshaft under great stress. A high outlay of development and extreme precision in manufacturing technology ensure the crankshaft continues to function seamlessly over a long period.
