Question

In a reciprocating steam engine, which of the following forms a kinematic link ?

(a) cylinder and piston

(b) piston rod and connecting rod

(c) crank shaft and flywheel

(d) flywheel and engine frame

I got this question during an interview.

Asked question is from Simple Mechanisms in section Simple Mechanisms of Machine Kinematics

Answer 1

Right choice is (c) crank shaft and flywheel

To explain: in a reciprocating steam engine, piston, piston rod and crosshead constitute one link ; connecting rod with big and small end bearings constitute a second link ; crank, crank shaft and flywheel a third link and the cylinder, engine frame and main bearings a fourth link.