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Sandeep S Sarnobat,
Sandeep M Shiyekar,
Kiran Choudhary,
- Professor, Department of Robotics and Automation, D Y College of Engineering Akurdi, Pune, India; Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, D Y College of Engineering Akurdi, Pune, India; Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Research Scholar, Department of Robotics and Automation, D Y College of Engineering Akurdi, Pune, India; Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
The present paper aims towards the weight reduction of crankshaft by replacing conventional medium carbon steel for a two-wheeler with composite material. The replacement is such that it significantly reduces load on other components without compromising structural integrity. It will also serves in terms of operating reliability or durability over its life span. A geometric specifications and dimensions were obtained using a 3D CAD model developed in CATIA V5. The model was later imported to HyperMesh, where the mesh generation process took place correspondently achieving high quality discretization for finite element analysis. ANSYS APDL was then used to perform static structural and fatigue analyses of the crankshafts made from steel, glass fiber composite, and carbon fibre composite considering realistic service loading conditions.
The comparative analysis shows that the crankshaft made of glass fiber composite has better performance. The performance was compared with the normal steel crankshaft and von Mises stress were decreased by 26.99%, and a better load-carrying capacity is obtained owing to good macroscopic distribution of loads on it. Additionally, 16.66% fatigue life improvement for the glass fiber configuration indicates higher resistance to cyclic loading and longer service-life. Most notably, a substantial weight reduction of 75.88% was achieved, highlighting the potential of glass fiber composites as a high-performance, lightweight alternative for crankshaft applications. There is an improvement in terms of fuel efficiency, inertial forces affecting performance and emissions. These results indicate a great scope for utilizing glass fiber composites material system in future two-wheeler crankshaft applications.
Keywords: crankshaft, composite materials, structural integrity, stress analysis, deformation, fatigue life
Sandeep S Sarnobat, Sandeep M Shiyekar, Kiran Choudhary. Low-Weight, High-Durability Crankshaft Development Using Glass Fiber Composites: Numerical and Experimental Investigations. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-.
Sandeep S Sarnobat, Sandeep M Shiyekar, Kiran Choudhary. Low-Weight, High-Durability Crankshaft Development Using Glass Fiber Composites: Numerical and Experimental Investigations. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(04):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=249342
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Journal of Polymer & Composites
| Volume | 14 |
| 04 | |
| Received | 22/05/2026 |
| Accepted | 05/06/2026 |
| Published | 08/07/2026 |
| Publication Time | 47 Days |
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