Earth Bondhon
Creators
Md Jony Islam Author
Md Jony Islam
CalculatorToolsProjectExpert
Reviewers
Małgorzata Koperska, MD Steven Wooding
Last updated: October 17, 2025

Slider-Crank Mechanism Calculator | Crank, Slider, and Coupler Angles

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Slider-Crank Mechanism Calculator

Calculate crank angle, slider displacement, connecting rod angle, and velocity in a slider-crank mechanism. Step-by-step solutions with SI units included.

crank-slider mechanism calculator:

Formula: Displacement \( (x) = r \cos \theta + \sqrt{l^2 - (r \sin \theta)^2} \)
where \( x \) = Displacement, \( r \) = Crank length, \( l \) = Rod length, \( \theta \) = Crank angle

Calculate slider displacement, crank and coupler angles, and velocities using this Slider-Crank Mechanism Calculator. Enter crank length, connecting rod length, crank angle, and optional crank angular velocity. Geometric and kinematic equations of the slider-crank motion in the engine pump, suspension are shown by step-by-step formulas.

slider-crank unit conversion Tool Formula:

It is a Slider-Crank Mechanism Calculator, which assists users in studying planar slider-crank linkages, which are common in engines, pumps, and piston-cylinder mechanisms. It computes crank angle (θ2), slider (x), and connecting rod angle (θ3), and linear or angular velocity at a given input angular velocity.

Users can input crank length, connecting rod length, crank angle, and optional angular velocity of the crank. The calculator applies the geometric loop-closure equation:

Formula: \( x = r cos \theta_{2} + \sqrt{I^{2} - (r sin \theta_{2})^{2}} \)

To calculate the slider position and the angle of the connecting rod. The solutions are given step-by-step so that a better understanding of the kinematics is considered. The tool works with SI units: meters ( m ) in the case of length, radians/degrees ( rad/degrees ) in the case of angles, and m/s or rad/s in the case of velocity. Other options are analysis of velocity, plotting the slides' motion, and the results, which can be printed. Perfect as a reference to mechanical engineering students, teachers, engineers, and designers of piston-crank systems.

⚡ Work & Installation Input to Output:

Input:

  • Crank length (r), Connecting rod length (l)
  • Crank angle θ2 (deg/rad)
  • Optional crank angular velocity ω2
  • Units: meters (m) for lengths, degrees/radians for angles, m/s or rad/s for velocities

Processing:

  • Validate inputs (crank length < connecting rod length)
  • Compute slider displacement: \( x = r cos \theta_{2} + \sqrt{I^{2} - (r sin \theta_{2})^{2}} \)
  • Compute connecting rod angle: \( \theta_{3} = arcsin(\frac{\textrm{r sin}\theta_{2}}{\iota}) \)
  • If ω2 provided, compute slider velocity v = r ω2 sin θ3 / sin(θ3 - θ2)
  • Optional: compute angular velocity of connecting rod

Output:

  • Slider position (x)
  • Connecting rod angle (θ3)
  • Slider velocity (v) and connecting rod angular velocity (if ω2 given)
  • Step-by-step calculations
  • Optional plots and printable results

Testing and Final Adjustments

Test common scenarios:

  • r = 0.1 m, l = 0.4 m, θ2 = 30° → compute x and θ3
  • Check slider motion for θ2 from 0° to 180°
  • Validate velocities if ω2 = 10 rad/s
  • Confirm step-by-step formulas and numeric results are consistent
  • Edge cases: crank perpendicular or aligned with slider
  • Validate unit conversions (m ↔ mm, deg ↔ rad)
  • Ensure mobile/desktop UX: numeric keypad, field labels, and error messages
  • Include preset examples (engine piston motion, pump mechanism)
  • Optimize SEO metadata: "Slider-Crank Mechanism Calculator," "Slider Displacement," "Connecting Rod Angle," "Velocity Analysis," and schema markup

Frequently Asked Questions - Slider-Crank Mechanism Calculator:

What is a slider-crank mechanism?

A slider-crank mechanism converts rotational motion of a crank into linear motion of a slider.

How do I calculate slider displacement?

Use x = r cos θ2 + √(l² - (r sin θ2)²) with crank length, connecting rod length, and crank angle.

How do I calculate connecting rod angle?

θ3 = arcsin(r sin θ2 / l) gives the angle of the connecting rod relative to the slider.

Can I compute slider velocity?

Yes, if crank angular velocity ω2 is known, v = r ω2 sin θ3 / sin(θ3 - θ2).

What units are supported?

Lengths in meters, angles in degrees/radians, velocities in m/s or rad/s.

Can this calculator handle engine pistons?

Yes, it is suitable for engines, pumps, and other slider-crank applications.

Is step-by-step solution available?

Yes, formulas and substitutions are displayed step-by-step.

Who should use this calculator?

Mechanical engineering students, teachers, engineers, and designers of crank-slider systems.

Can it plot slider motion?

Yes, optional plotting of slider displacement over crank rotation is available.

Can I solve for crank angle given slider position?

Yes, inverse kinematics can be applied if needed, though this calculator primarily solves forward kinematics.

Md Jony Islam

Md Jony Islam

CalculatorToolsProject

Founder of Earthbondhon.com

a free online tools website designed to make everyday and engineering-related calculations easier for students, professionals, and hobbyists. The site offers a wide range of basic calculators across key categories, including Electrical Calculators, Electronic Calculators, and Time & Date Calculators.