Reciprocating steam engine kinematics: What is the piston velocity at the inner dead centre (IDC)? Treat the slider–crank as ideal without clearance; IDC is an extreme stroke position. Choose the correct option.

Given data

• Crank at inner dead centre (end of stroke) in an ideal slider–crank.

Concept / Approach
At an extreme position, the piston reverses direction. Instantaneous velocity passes through zero at that instant.

Reasoning
Geometry of the slider–crank gives zero piston speed at both dead centres (IDC and ODC) and maximum speed near mid-stroke.

Final Answer
Zero