Skip to main content
crosshead

crosshead

9.9
A metal part in some piston engines that slides on guides and moves the connecting rod
  • noun
  • /ˈkrɔːsˌhɛd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cabezal
  • In a piston engine, the crosshead plays a crucial role in converting the piston's linear motion into rotational motion.
  • crosshead of the Instron
  • crosshead with a load
  • crosshead speed

Examples

  • During testing, the crosshead's movement was monitored to ensure it was functioning correctly within the specified parameters.

  • Instead, 10 seconds were needed for the crosshead to reach the target load.

    Academic text (2000)
  • An Instron crosshead speed of 100 mm/min was used to apply the load.

    Academic text (1996)
  • A shearing test cell with a crosshead speed of 250 mm/s was used.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Data collection included the peak load, load-time history, and the excursion of the crosshead.

    Academic text (2000)
  • The system was configured in its compression mode to measure and record the displacement of the crosshead and the load applied to the headrest system.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Data from the load cell and crosshead movement, such as the maximum displacement and the peak applied loads, are collected and displayed on the Instron computer.

    Academic text (2000)
  • The computer controls the speed with which the load is applied (in/s), the magnitude of the load, and the direction in which the crosshead moves (compression versus tension).

    Academic text (2000)
  • As shown in Figure 7a, the CGSS aligned with the load cell of the Instron, and the crosshead moved downward, applying the load to the horizontal crossbar.

    Academic text (2000)
  • The Instron is designed to test materials in either compression or tension up to 11,236 lb (50 kN) and consists of a base, a computer-controlled crosshead with a load cell, and a plotter to record data.

    Academic text (2000)

Surface Forms

crosshead singular
crossheads plural

Morphology

crosshead = cross + head (opaque) = cross + head

Although composed of 'cross' + 'head', the mechanical meaning is a specialized technical term that an average B1 learner would not derive from the parts alone.

Etymology

Crosshead comes from the parts cross ('across' or 'crosswise') and head ('top' or 'piece'). So a crosshead in engines is the block at the end of a piston that slides on guides and links parts, helping the machine move in a straight line.