New Considerations in Connecting Rod Design

Connecting rod design factors such as joint surface flatness, bearing crush, geometric shape, and capscrew torque can significantly affect bore distortion, assembly stresses, and bearing and joint load distribution. Manufacturing variations in joint surface flatness and bearing crush were predicted to have a profound effect upon bore distortion and joint closure. Finite element methods were used to study the effects of these design factors. This analytical approach represents a new, practical, and cost effective means to improve connecting rod design.