Crankshaft Vibration Analysis an‎d Locomotive Engine Damper Optimization

10/20/2026 12:00:00 AM

Torsional vibrations in diesel locomotive engines are one of the main causes of crankshaft fatigue an‎d sudden failure, which leads to heavy costs of major repairs an‎d the withdrawal of the fleet from the route. The mismatch of the dynamic characteristics of the vibration damper with the engine operating conditions leads to an increase in the amplitude of oscillations an‎d a decrease in the useful life of rotating parts. In this research, in order to accurately analyze the dynamic behavior, first the crankshaft modeling an‎d modal analysis were performed using the finite element method to extract the natural frequencies an‎d mode shapes of the system. At the same time, in order to investigate the health status of the bearings an‎d the effect of the allowable clearance on the vibration behavior, the method of accurately measuring the radial clearance using plastic deformation on the locomotive engine was used. Subsequently, the stiffness an‎d damping parameters of the viscous damper were optimized with the aim of reducing the amplitude of torsional vibrations at critical speeds. The results of simulation an‎d experimental analyses showed that using optimal parameters in the damper reduces the amplitude of torsional vibrations an‎d increases the crankshaftʹs safety factor against fatigue. Also, the bearing condition monitoring method was introduced as an effective solution for early detection of defects an‎d prevention of crankshaft destruction in preventive maintenance of the rail fleet.

ميل لنگ لكوموتيو

Locomotive crankshaft

Mohamadreza Nahvizade

Dr. Ohadi_ Dr. Rezvani