The component of a piston engine that joins the piston and crankshaft is called a connecting rod. The connecting rod, in conjunction with the crank, transforms the piston’s reciprocating motion into the crankshaft’s rotation.
The connecting rod is necessary in order to transfer the piston’s compressive and tensile forces. Its most prevalent version permits spinning on the shaft end and pivoting on the piston end of an internal combustion engine.
A mechanical connection that transforms the rotational action of the water wheel into reciprocating motion is the ancestor of the connecting rod. Steam and internal combustion engines are the two applications for connecting rods that occur most frequently.
Construction of Connecting Rod
1) Materials: For strength and durability, the item is made of titanium, steel, or aluminium.
2) Design:
Small End: Uses a wrist pin to attach to the piston.
Large End: Divided into a rod and a cap, it attaches to the crankshaft.
I-Section: Middle section with a low weight and high strength design.
3) Bearings: Guarantees seamless movement on both ends.
4) Bolts: The rod is fastened to the cap by strong bolts.
Function of Connecting Rod
- Motion Transfer: Converts the piston’s up-and-down motion into, consequently, the crankshaft’s rotational motion.
- Force Transmission: Transfers the combustion force from the piston to the crankshaft.
- Balance: Designed to handle bending and twisting forces while minimizing vibration.
- Rotational Control: Helps maintain the crankshaft’s correct and consistent rotation.
In short, the connecting rod is crucial in an engine for converting linear piston motion into the rotational motion needed to drive the vehicle
Material
To obtain minimal weight and high strength, connecting rods are made of the following materials:
- Micro alloyed steels
- Sintered metals
- High-grade aluminum
- CFRP and titanium (for high-performance engines)
Types of Connecting Rod
- Plain type rod
- Fork and blade rod
- Master and slave rod
- Billet conrods
- Cast rods
- Forged rods
- Powered metal conrods
Range
| CASE INTERNATIONAL | CATTERPILLAR | CUMMINS |
|---|---|---|
| DEUTZ | FIAT | EICHER |
| FORD | JOHN DEERE | LANDROVER |
| LEYLAND | LOMBARDINI | MAN |
| MERCEDES | MWM | NISSAN |
| PAYKAN | PERKINS | PEUGEOT |
| RENAULT | SCANIA | TATA |
| TOYOTA | TRACTOR (OTHERS) | VOLVO |
