Stress analysis of a Wankel engine eccentric shaft under varied thermal conditions

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, the eccentric shaft of a 13B MSP (Multi Side Port) single-rotor Wankel test engine was examined. The eccentric shaft was studied in two parts, both through modeling and experimentally. The eccentric shaft was modeled via a workbench module using ANSYS software. Here, the shaft was modeled according to the original dimensions at different speeds ranging from 1000 to 10000 rpm under different operating temperatures (25, 50 and 90 °C). In the analysis, von Mises stress and corresponding deformations were examined under the specified conditions. Afterwards, the stress and deformation of the eccentric shaft were experimentally investigated in engine tests performed at low loads and speeds. The eccentric shaft broke after approximately 200 hours. It was found that broken region was specified to critical points for validity of the applied model used in the current study. Thus, it was shown deformation and stress values can be predicted by numerically modeling the eccentric shaft with the help of ANSYS software in order to determine whether the eccentric shaft can withstand external loading under various conditions.