Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Connecting Rod using Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

The main objective of this work is to focus on modelling and analysis of connecting rod by
varying material with same geometry. Many works are carried out by using alloys in the
analysis of connecting rod such as aluminium, forged steel and titanium. The material for the
connecting rod used here is Aluminium Reinforced with Boron Carbide Metal matrix
composite. The solid model of connecting rod is created in CATIA V5. The static and
dynamic analysis are performed by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software to determine the
parameters for connecting rod like von Mises stress, deformation and natural frequency’s.
The weight of the connecting rod is to be optimized, i.e., by changing the material. The
simulation results are validated with the theoretical results. From the results, it is concluded
that weight, stress and deformation of the connecting rod is reduced by 37.123%, 8.40%, and
50.03% by using the composite material. From the analysis compared to the conventional
material, Aluminium Reinforced with Boron carbide MMC connecting rod have less weight,
stress and deformation. Aluminium Reinforced with Boron Carbide Metal matrix composite
material is selected as the most suitable material for connecting rod.