Department of Engineering & Technology
School of Science & Technology
– ASSIGNMENT BRIEF –

A search of literature should be done of this problem and summarised briefly in professional
writing, including a survey of multi-cylinder crank mechanisms.
™ Dynamic Modelling (30 Marks)
The assignment is to use a base Solidworks model of the crank – piston arrangement PT500.16 on
the GUNT system, and analysis, simulation and optimization in MSC ADAMS software. You should
then predict dynamic horizontal and vertical loads at 300 RPM.
The prediction will be for two conditions;
A. With spring
B. Without spring
From this you are to calculate the change in horizontal and vertical loads from adding the balance
weights as a percentage change in load.
Note: Power supply for crankshaft is based on literature review and you need to use all of the
following components on your design at least once.
¾ BEng students, minimum use of bearing, shaft, motor and belt (or chain) is compulsory.
¾ BSc students minimum use of bearing, belt (or chain) and motor is compulsory.
All models must be submitted.
™ Measurements (10 Marks)
Using the same PT500.16 crank mechanism on the GUNT test rig you are to set up the experiment
with accelerometers in the horizontal and vertical planes.
Obtain frequency spectrum traces and vibration magnitude from both horizontal and vertical
accelerometers when running at 300 RPM for two conditions as before:
A. With spring
B. Without spring
As before for the ADAMS models, from this you are to show the change in horizontal and vertical
acceleration magnitude at 5Hz from the balance weights as a percentage change in acceleration
magnitude.
An overall concept Design in ADAMS (precise details not necessary in this section). These will be
the focus of the design effort within the specification. Since design is always a compromise, an
initial assessment has to be made of what is important, and highlighting the conflicts this will
cause. For instance, a light weight shaft will increase performance, but adequate strength and
rigidity are essential, so these would all be key design aims.

™ Results (20 Marks)
Tabulate your results from (1) and (2) in order to compare your theoretically modelled results with
your measured results. In particular you are to compare the predicted reductions in horizontal and
vertical loads from balancing weights with reductions in vibration magnitudes. The aim is to see if
there is a correlation between predicted loads and the measured vibration levels.
™ Discussion (20 Marks)
Comment and discuss any correlations you found between predicted loads and vibration levels
measured for the different states of the mechanism with and without spring.
Comment on problems you encountered with the ADAMS model, and what you can show are the
advantages and limitations.
Comment on any difficulties or limitations of the measurements with the accelerometers, and on
the analysis software.
Discuss any links with theory from your literature search.
™ Conclusions (10 Marks)
Show whether dynamic modelling has a use in predicting dynamic loads, and whether there is also
the ability to predict vibration levels and frequencies.
Show whether dynamic modelling is a viable design tool for optimising design so that costs and
time can be reduced in prototype build.
(Minimum 1000 words)
Appendix of reference information.
Attach any reference tables, data, graphs and diagrams.
Attach any pictures of systems or information that need to support your design and not
included earlier.
Attach any other information supporting work you have done, correctly annotated.

Layout

Your submission must be made in the form of a well-structured written report with a clear
introduction, main body and conclusions. Your work and findings should be supported by references
to relevant good quality sources of information (such as journal articles, conference papers, books,
legislation, reputable website sources) with a list of references provided at the end of the report.

Grade Criteria Associated with the Grade
A A confident discussion of the area(s) selected. For a grade

support sought.
G No work
Intermediate grades also apply i.e. A+, A, A-, B+, B, B- etc
Numerically marked assignments are converted to a letter grade using the following:
In order to achieve a pass grade, students must demonstrate the ability to carry out an
investigation. This will include an understanding of the set problem as a whole, the ability to
analyses, synthesize and evaluate solutions, researching new topic areas where necessary
and integrating their contribution with the work of others.
For higher grades they must provide evidence of the consideration of possible alternative
solutions and balanced arguments in support of their preferred solutions.
Feedback and Feed Forward
You will receive written and oral feedback on your assignment outcome. As well as critical
comments for you to reflect on and use to improve your knowledge and develop your skills.
General advice on the completion of assignments can be found in the Module Guide.