Abstract
Two dimensionless relationships that estimate the maximum and average bearing load of a 6-cylinder 4-stroke in-line engine have been found. These relationships may assist the design engineer in choosing a desired counterweight mass. It has been demonstrated that: 1) the average bearing load increases with engine speed and 2) the maximum bearing load initially decreases with engine speed, reaches a minimum, then increases quickly with engine speed. This minimum refers to a critical speed at which the contribution of the inertia force overcomes the contribution of the maximum pressure force to the maximum bearing load. The critical speed increases with an increase of counterweight mass and is a function of maximum cylinder pressure and the operating parameters of the engine.
