Functions of connecting rod: A connecting rod, also called a con rod, is the part of a piston engine which connects the piston to the crankshaft. Together with the crank, the connecting rod converts the reciprocating motion of the piston into the rotation of the crankshaft. The connecting rod is required to transmit the compressive and tensile forces from the piston, and rotate at both ends.
Material for connecting rod: 1. There are some materials that are commonly used in connecting rods such as alloys of steel, aluminum and titanium. Mostly connecting rods are made by forged steel. It is widely use because it has high tensile and compressive strength. 2. Titanium is used in making connecting rods, since very long time but when it comes to lightweight of connecting rod, aluminum is preferred. Titanium is the most costly material among steel and aluminum. Another demerit of titanium is their fatigue life. Aluminum is also used for a long time. 3. Most of the connecting rods are made of steel but aluminum can also be used to manufacture connecting rods because of its light weight and it can also absorb high impact shock but its durability will be suffered. Titanium can also be used because it has good strength but it is expensive.
Cross – Section of connecting rod: 1. The I-section of the connecting rod is used due to its lightness and to keep the inertia forces as low as possible. It can also withstand high gas pressure. 2. Sometimes a connecting rod may have rectangular section. For slow speed engines, circular sections may be used.