Weight Optimization of Connecting Rod by Al-Si Metal Matrix Reinforced With Alumina and Flyash

The present work deals with the fabrication of Al-Si metal matrix composite reinforced with alumina and flyash. Aluminum metal matrix composite combines the strength of the reinforcements with the toughness of the matrix to achieve a combination of desirable properties which is not available in any single conventional material. The Al metal matrix has high strength to weight ratio and also have good corrosion resistance. In this work Al+12.5 %Si matrix is reinforced with 9 % of flyash and varying weight percentage of alumina MMC is fabricated by using stir casting. It has been found that tensile strength, compression strength and hardness properties improved considerably. The present material used for connecting rod is steel alloy which have high weight compare to Al-MMC. Static analysis is carried out on the connecting rod and it is found that current steel alloy can be replaced by Al MMC, hence material for connecting rod is optimized.