The effect of piston pin offset on piston friction in heavy vehicle compressors: a comparative FEA study of conventional and new crank-connecting rod mechanisms
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS, cilt.33, sa.4, ss.399-422, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 33 Sayı: 4
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1504/ijhvs.2025.10074970
- Dergi Adı: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.399-422
- Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
In crank-connecting rod mechanisms, a major portion of mechanical losses results from piston-cylinder friction, primarily caused by the piston's secondary motion. One of the most influential parameters affecting this motion is the piston pin offset. This study introduces a novel crank-connecting rod mechanism with reduced lateral thrust as an alternative to the conventional design. The effects of various pin offsets on lateral piston forces were analysed using 3D finite element analysis (FEA). A two-stage air brake compressor model, commonly used in heavy-duty vehicles, was employed along with thermodynamic assumptions. Results showed that offsets applied toward the anti-thrust side reduced lateral forces in both systems. At -3 mm offset, the novel mechanism produced 81% less friction compared to the conventional one. It was also concluded that to avoid eccentric friction caused by piston moments, the pin offset should be kept within a limited range.