Material Optimization of Connecting Rod Using Finite Element Analysis

Connecting rod is a major part inside the engine as it connects the piston to the crankshaft and also used to transfer power from the piston to the crankshaft. Connecting rods of vehicles are generally manufactured by the process of forging or casting (Either wrought steel or powdered metal). Under complex loading connecting rod of an automobile vehicle a high production component. The weight and design of the connecting rod have a good influence on performance of an automobile engine. Use of lighter material can increase the performance of an engine because of its less energy consumption than heavier material. Conventional materials have limitations in strength, stiffness and toughness, and because of this they have failed to fulfil the demand of saving of energy. This shows the need to work upon materials having high strength and less weight as compared to conventional materials. Use of composite material would help to reduce weight and improve fuel consumption without sacrificing the safety of the vehicle. In this current work, connecting rod has been designed by using computer aided design (CAD) software CATIA and was analysed using a finite element analysis (FEA) software ANSYS to understand the exact behaviour of the connecting rod under different material properties.