The Baldwin machine modernization for fatigue testing of automotive crankshafts through sensory architecture and computerization

The scope of the crankshafts fatigue testing is to determine their superior strength limit for a number of 10⁷ cycles during an established moment of deflection of approx. 75 daNm, their behaviour at 2,5×10⁶ cycles and their resistance to rupture (WOHLER diagram). All the tests are executed within a symmetric alternating dynamic cycle (R= -1) with a frequency of 30 Hz on the Baldwin machine that is modernized through a sensory architecture and computerization. The operation principle of the integrated system consists of catching the crankshaft on the arm of the fixed machine table (2), and the free bending arm (5) is triggered by a special device a vibrating machine table. During its vertical movement a sinusoidal moment is applied with adjustable intensity that mandatory passes through value "0". (Load R = M_min/M_max = -1) This type of loading allows the smart test during the fatigue of the crankpins 1 and 4 after the compacting operation.