Optimizing the Design of Connecting Rod under Static and Fatigue Loading

The main objective of this work is to re-optimize theexisting design of connecting rod of universal tractor (U650) bychanging some of the design variables. The existing designperforms modelling and evaluates critical regions in theconnecting rod under fatigue loading. In the present work, themodel is developed, analyzed and designed using CATIA 19,PRO-E and ANSYS workbench v12. Optimization of connectingrod is done under same boundary and loading conditions forvariation in the few stress and fatigue parameters i.e. stresses,weight, life, damage, bi-axiality indication and safety factor. Theallowable numbers of cycles under fully reversed fatigue loadingare increased and assumed up to a maximum limit of 109 cycles.Stress concentration coefficient is varied to obtain the maximumcycles condition. The critical regions under both static andfatigue analysis are identified and improved. The connecting rodis modelled and optimized for the reduced weight, improved lifeand manufacturability. The results obtained from performedanalysis can be used to modify the design of existing connectingrod, so that better performance i.e. reduced inertia, fatigue lifeand manufacturability can be obtained under varying static andfatigue conditions.