Title: The shape optimisation of a connecting rod with fatigue life constraint

Authors: Pai-Chuan Lu

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Lien Ho College of Technology and Commerce, 1 Lien Kung Rd., Miaoli 36012, Taiwan, ROC

Abstract: This paper presents a deterministic approach, considering the fatigue life requirement, in the optimal design of a connecting rod for a newly developed motor-cycle engine. The main idea is to use the finite element method to calculate the stresses upon the connecting rod, and to use sound fracture mechanics theorems, along with material fatigue properties, to calculate fatigue life during the optimisation process. The life requirement is treated as a side constraint, and the volume of the of the connecting rod as the objective function.

Keywords: connecting rods; fatigue life; fracture mechanics; motorcycles; motorbikes; optimisation; optimal design; connecting rod design; finite element method; FEM; stress analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.1996.036338

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 1996 Vol.11 No.5/6, pp.357 - 370

Published online: 02 Nov 2010 *

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