Where does the crank throw leverage peak within the engine cycle?

The crank throw leverage peaks just before 90 degrees after top dead center (ATDC) due to the geometry involved in the engine's crankshaft and connecting rod assembly. At this point in the cycle, the angle between the crank throw and the connecting rod allows for optimal force transfer from the combustion process to the crankshaft.

As the piston moves downward from the top dead center, it starts converting the linear force from combustion into rotational force. The leverage provided by the connecting rod changes throughout the piston stroke, and it is at approximately 90 degrees ATDC that the crank throw maximizes its leverage because the angle is most favorable for the connecting rod to exert force efficiently on the crankshaft. This peak leverage results in a more effective rotation of the crankshaft, enhancing the engine's overall performance.