Torsional Vibration of Aircraft Engine Crankshafts

Results of the study of torsional vibration of aircraft engine crankshafts are presented. Almost all engines have one or more easily detectable critical speeds for torsional crankshaft vibration. If one such critical speed should fall in the operating range of the engine, it is likely to cause trouble. Many apparently unrelated failures of engine parts can be traced to crankshaft vibration. It is therefore important that the vibration characteristics of every engine model be known so as to intelligently develop its design for maximum reliable power output.