
34 LIGHT AND HEAVY VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
static balance. This is achieved when the centre of
gravity lies on the axis of rotation of the crankshaft,
which implies that there is an equal distribution of mass
about this axis. To verify this in practice requires the
crankshaft to be supported with two of its main journals
resting on knife edges; then whatever position the
crankshaft is rolled to it should show no tendency to
oscillate when coming to rest.
Of all the various arrangements of cylinders used in
automotive practice only the single and in-line twin
ones require the addition of counterbalance weights to
correct for inherent lack of crankshaf ...