DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF CONNECTING ROD BY USING CFRP MATERIAL

This paper presents the design connecting rod of internal combustion engine using the topology optimization. The objectives of this paper are to develop structural modeling, finite element analyze and the optimization of the connecting rod for robust design. The structure of connecting rod was modeled utilized SOLIDWORKS software. Finite element modeling and analysis were performed using MSC/PATRAN and MSC/NASTRAN software. Linear static analysis was carried out to obtain the stress/strain state results. The mesh convergence analysis was performed to select the best mesh for the analysis. The topology optimization technique is used to achieve the objectives of optimization which is to reduce the weight of the connecting rod. From the FEA analysis results, TET10 predicted higher maximum stress than TET4 and maximum principal stress captured the maximum stress. The crank end is suggested to be redesign based on the topology optimization results. The optimized connecting rod is 11.7% lighter and predicted low maximum stress compare to initial design. For future research, the optimization should cover on material optimization to increase the strength of the connecting rod.