Maher Rehaif Khudhair^1,, Farah Kamil¹, Mohannad A. Kadhom¹, Faeq H. Gburi¹

This study discusses a comprehensive review of the optimal design of the connecting rod used in internal combustion engines and compressors. The connecting rod is an important part and a major component that is produced in large quantities for automobile engines. Its purpose is to link the piston to the rotating crankshaft to create a mechanism for the movement reciprocating of the piston. Carbon steel is commonly used in the manufacture of connecting rods, but there is a growing trend towards utilizing aluminum alloys. Objective of this study is to optimize the shape of the connecting rod in an automobile engine. The optimization aims to minimize the stresses experienced by the connecting rod under both compressive loads from maximum engine output and bending loads caused by the inertia force during maximum engine power with a focused on reducing its weight. Various stresses and deformations need to be considered when designing the connecting rod, along with the comparison of different materials. Additionally, it is important to explore various software and Finite Element Method (FEM) packages that can be utilized for the modeling and analysis of the connecting rod.

connecting rod, optimization, design, material selection, FEM