Optimization design of titanium alloy connecting rod based on structural topology optimization

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to realize the lightweight of connecting rod and meet the requirements of low energy consumption and vibration. Based on the structural design of the original connecting rod, the finite element analysis was conducted to reduce the weight and increase the natural frequencies, so as to reduce materials consumption and improve the energy efficiency of internal combustion engine. Design/methodology/approach The finite element analysis, structural optimization design and topology optimization of the connecting rod are applied. Efficient hybrid method is deployed: static and modal analysis; and structure re-design of the connecting rod based on topology optimization. Findings After the optimization of the connecting rod, the weight is reduced from 1.7907 to 1.4875 kg, with a reduction of 16.93%. The maximum equivalent stress of the optimized connecting rod is 183.97 MPa and that of the original structure is 217.18 MPa, with the reduction of 15.62%. The first, second and third natural frequencies of the optimized connecting rod are increased by 8.89%, 8.85% and 11.09%, respectively. Through the finite element analysis and based on the lightweight, the maximum equivalent stress is reduced and the low-order natural frequency is increased. Originality/value This paper presents an optimization method on the connecting rod structure. Based on the statics and modal analysis of the connecting rod and combined with the topology optimization, the size of the connecting rod is improved, and the static and dynamic characteristics of the optimized connecting rod are improved.

Analysis and comparison of flow velocities and in-cylinder temperature distributions to quantify oxides of nitrogen in a compression ignition engine using diesel and biodiesel fuels

“…Rezaei et al (2020) explored hydrogen production using renewable energy. Kulkarni et al (2018) reported reduction in greenhouse gas emission by using alternate material usage to reduce vehicle weight, while Zheng et al (2021) optimized connecting rod weight using alternate material, titanium. The weight reduction provided double folded advantages, less energy to operate and less amount of material used which, in turn, reduced energy consumption over product life cycle.…”