Crankshaft

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The crankshaft, colloquially known as the crank, is an essential component in engines that transforms linear piston movement into rotational motion. Achieving this conversion, the crankshaft incorporates one or multiple offset shafts connecting to the pistons. As the pistons move up and down, they push these offset shafts, subsequently rotating the crankshaft. This results in a pulsating rotation effect that is typically rectified by attaching the crankshaft to a flywheel, which smooths out the rotation. In some cases, a torsion or vibration damper may be added to further reduce crankshaft vibrations. Larger engines often have multiple cylinders to minimize pulsations from individual firing strokes and may require counterweights for improved balance, despite adding considerable weight to the crankshaft, which ensures smoother engine operation, allowing for higher RPMs and increased power output.