Optimization of Connecting Rod for Materials Using ANSYS Analysis

The connecting rod for an automotive engine is a crucial part that is produced in large quantities. It transmits the piston's thrust to the crankshaft by joining a reciprocating piston to a revolving crankshaft. Depending on the engine's cylinder count, any car with an internal combustion engine needs at least one connecting rod. Automotive connecting rods are usually made by forging either powdered metal or wrought steel. They might be cast, too. However, blowholes in castings might be harmful from the perspectives of fatigue and durability. In order to compare & optimize materials for connecting rods, results of static structural analysis of connecting rod made of structural steel (conventional materials) have been compared with similar analysis of connecting rod using alternate materials. For the analysis several materials like Epoxy Carbon, Inconel 25, Inconel 718, & Titanium Alloy are being used. Considering all the above observations it can be concluded that Inconel materials can prove to enhance the performance of connecting rod because of better load bearing capacity in terms of its mechanical properties. Although the weight reduction can be achieved if Epoxy Carbon or Titanium alloy is used. But it has to be kept in mind that Titanium alloy is a costly material.