A comparison of fatigue life between two automotive connecting rods

Abstract

Use of numerical methods, such as the finite element method, enables us to obtain detailed information about static and dynamic behaviour of structures under development. Finite element-based fatigue analysis provides an easy and a rapid evaluation of fatigue life over a wide range of designs with a capability of accounting for effects of changes in design variables. In this paper, a comparison of fatigue life was made for two connecting rods with or without oil holes at the big end. The prediction methods of fatigue life are reviewed and finite element stress-based fatigue analysis is employed in comparing the fatigue life of two connecting rods with different designs. Fatigue analysis results, indicate that the need for oil holes on the connecting rod geometry is suitable from the fatigue-life point of view.