Rigid-body dynamics characteristic analysis of a folded-cranktrain opposed-piston engine

A rigid-body dynamic model was established based on a novel folded-cranktrain opposed-piston engine, and the kinematics and dynamics characteristics of the engine movement mechanism were calculated at the rated speed. The main bearing load diagram, the force curves in horizontal and vertical directions of each pin and each bearing pressure etc. were obtained. The results show that the piston kinematics characteristics are asymmetrical about TDC as compared with that of the traditional engines, resulting in the longer intake duration and shorter compression duration, which are beneficial to improve the scavenging quality and the mixingrate of fuel and air, and will shorten ignition delay period as well. In view of dynamics, the lateral pressure of piston is significantly lower than that of traditional engines, which helps to reduce abrasion of the cylinder wall. It proves to be a well balanced system, since the vertical force of the engine mechanism is much smaller than that of the traditional engines, and the horizontal force can be easily offset.