INSTITUTION: DEDAN KIMATHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

COURSE: BSC.ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT: ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

UNIT NAME: FUNDAMENTALS OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

UNIT CODE: EME1202

LAB TITLE: KINEMATICS OF A CRANK AND CONNECTING ROD MECHANISM

MEMBERS REG NO SIGN

1. MACREY BWALEI E021-01-1226/2022 ………………
2. SAMMY KIGOTHO E021-01-2208/2022 ………………
3. BRIAN KINYUA E021-01-2218/2022 ………………
4. RODGERS MOMANYI E021-01-1229/2022 ………………

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 1. ABSTRACT
The slider crank mechanism is a fundamental mechanical system that converts rotary motion into
linear motion. This mechanism is widely used in various industrial applications, such as in
engines, pumps, and compressors.
Some of the objectives include to ascertain the relationship between the crank's rotation and the
piston stroke, to study the link between the angular speed of the crank and linear velocity of the
piston. In this experiment, we will be studying the behavior of a slider crank mechanism and how
its various parameters affect its performance. The experiment will involve displacing the crank
angle and measuring the displacement of the slider thereby finding velocity, and plotting their
graphs against degrees. We concluded that, the angular speed of the crank is proportional to the
linear velocity of the piston. This will help us understand the mechanism's kinematics and
dynamic behavior.Some of its application include, internal combustion engines, pumps and
compressors, presses, robotics, toy cars, and human-powered vehicles.
2. INTRODUCTION
The objectives include to ascertain the relationship between the crank's rotation and the piston
stroke, and to study the link between the angular speed of the crank and linear velocity of the
piston. This experiment aids in understanding the working principal of crank and connecting rod
mechanism as it is important in engineering design i.e., working of a piston in an engine car.
The mechanism consists of a crankshaft, a connecting rod, and a slider (or piston).The crankshaft
rotates about a fixed axis, and the connecting rod is connected to the crankshaft at one end and to
the slider at the other end. As the crankshaft rotates, it causes the connecting rod to move back
and forth, which in turn causes the slider to move in a straight line. The motion of the slider is
characterized by its displacement and velocity.
Theroretical values need to be obtained and can be obtained using the formula:
Displacement;
( sinA )2
x=r (1−cos A− )
2n
Velocity;

(
v p=ωr sin A−
sin 2 A
2n )mm/ s

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3. EQUIPMENT
 Crank and connecting rod mechanism-the radii is set to 50mm and connecting rod set to
250mm

4. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
I. The apparatus was position with the connecting rod's maximum length of 250mm
and the crank pin set to its 50mm radii point.
II. The location of the slider mark was noted as it is read against the linear slider
scale with the crank at 0° on the outer dead center point.
III. The mechanism was turned through 30° while noting the slider's shift in position.
IV. This was repeated while noting the new slider values every 30 up to 360 degrees,
and the table below was filled.
Possible experimental errors-Parallax error when reading value of displacement and
angle A:this may be minimized by observing at a right angle view.

Connecting Rod Length, L 250

(mm) Crank Radius, r (mm)

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 L 50
Ration, 𝑛 =
r
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Crank Angle θ (º) Slider Displacement x (mm)
0 0
30 5
60 21
90 45
120 72
150 93
180 100
210 93
240 72
270 45
300 21
330 5
360 0

CALCULATIONS
To obtain theoretical values of slider displacement for each of the crank angles 0º-360º at
intervals of 30º, we use the equation:
displacement

( sinA )2
x=r (1−cos A− )
2n
Where:
x-displacement
A- crank angle
n = l/r

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For 0º
50 ¿
for 30 º
50 ¿
for 60 º
50 ¿
for 90º
50 ¿
for 120º
50 ¿
for 150 º
50 ¿
for 180 º
50 ¿
for 210 º
50 ¿
for 240º
50 ¿
for 270 º
50 ¿
for 300 º
50 ¿
for 330 º
50 ¿
for 360 º
50 ¿

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 a graph of theoretical and experimental values of displacement
of slider against crank angle
120
theoretical value (mm)
experimental value (mm)
100

80
displacement (mm)

60

40

20

0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
crank angle (degrees)

Velocity:

(
v p=ωr sin A−
sin 2 A
2n )
mm/ s

for 0º
v p=0. .52× 50 ¿

For 30º
v p=0. .52× 50 ¿

for 60 º
v p=0. .52× 50 ¿

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for 90º
v p=0. .52× 50 ¿

for 120º
v p=0. .52× 50 ¿

for 150 º
v p=0. .52× 50 ¿

for 180 º
v p=0. .52× 50 ¿

for 210 º
v p=0. .52× 50 ¿

for 240 º
v p=0. .52× 50 ¿

for 270 º
v p=0. .52× 50 ¿

For 300 º
v p=0. .52× 50 ¿

for 330 º
v p=0.52 ×50 ¿

for 360 º
v p=0. .52× 50 ¿

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 a graph of slider velocity against crank angle of a mechanism
30

20
velocity (mm/s)

10
velocity (mm/s)

0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400

-10

-20

-30

crank anglee (degrees)

6. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
Displacement
A non-linear graph with maximum displacement being at crank angle 180 degrees and minimum
displacement being starting point zero and at 360 degrees. This graph shows the rotary motion of
the crank as it transmits the motion to linear. The type of displacement when the crank rotates is
reciprocating motion, also called reciprocation. It is a repetitive up-and-down or back-and-forth
linear motion. The theoretical values obtained are almost similar and vary slightly possibly due
to possible errors as stated below.
Velocity
A sinusoidal graph is obtained showing alternating velocity of the slider. The graph obtained
originates from origin zero and displacement on either side is equal. When there is change in
displacement, then velocity varies accordingly. The velocity gradually increases to a maximum

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point before retarding to zero and increase to a maximum velocity on the opposite side and
decreasing.
Possible experimental errors
Parallax error when reading value of displacement and angle A-this may be minimized by
observing at a right-angle view.
Limitation in sensitivity of units; small displacements could not be measured- using a more
sensitive device with more divisions to measure displacements

7. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the angular speed of the crank is proportional to the linear velocity of the piston.
Through the experiment, we were able to study the kinematics and dynamics of the slider crank
mechanism and how its various parameters affect its performance. The experiment demonstrated
that the displacement and velocity of the slider and crank are interrelated, and changes in one
parameter affect the behavior of the entire mechanism thereby fulfilling the objectives. This
experiment has practical implications in various industrial applications, such as in engines and
pumps, where the slider crank mechanism is widely used. Overall, the experiment was a success
in providing a better understanding of the slider crank mechanism and its kinematics.