Band Motor Crankshaft for Hydrogen Combustion Engine

Author(s) Information

Lincoln Hofer, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Jacqueline Mendoza Cortes, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Austin Rhee, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Roze Raymond, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Engineering

Department - Author 1

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 2

College of Engineering

Department - Author 2

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 2

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 3

College of Engineering

Department - Author 3

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 3

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 4

College of Engineering

Department - Author 4

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 4

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Date

12-2023

Primary Advisor

Sarah Harding, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

This report outlines the steps in which a group of four mechanical engineers at California Polytechnic State University California, San Luis Obispo, addressed an issue brought up by Professor Roger Benham from the Materials Department. The task included developing an automated and modular testing platform for a revolutionary concept crankshaft prototype – meant for a hydrogen combustion engine - developed and produced by the sponsor: Roger Benham. A testing platform is necessary to measure the performance of the shaft design created to eventually implement this subsystem into a complete hydrogen engine design. Values being tested include geometric validation, maximum static loading, maximum dynamic loading, and fatigue testing – these values are calculated via a physical strain gauge on the shaft and a separate Microsoft Excel calculator for validation. Throughout this process, we have implemented the standard engineering design process along with its corresponding reports alongside other specific techniques such as finite element analysis and material design analysis. Overall, the team was able to successfully build an automated test platform that loaded the crankshaft but fell short on the load requirements. Although desired motion was achieved, our system fell short of all load requirements. The system did not put enough torque onto the shaft for our strain gauges to pick up any deflection or torsion. Consequently, no stress values were able to be read. In summary, our team was able to successfully implement an automated and modular design that adequately simulates the desired motion of the crankshaft but fails to output stress values due to lack of torque.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/740