Numerical investigation into high cycle fatigue of aero kerosene piston engine connecting rod

Abstract The connecting rod is an important part of the engine. Lightweight aluminum alloy connecting rod was concerned in aero kerosene engine field. Taking the connecting rod of a certain aero kerosene engine as the research object, the engine simulation model was established by GT-POWER and verified the correctness of the model by bench test. Considering the friction coefficient between the components in the connecting rod assembly, the boundary conditions of the constraint, the maximum pressure and the maximum axial force of the connecting rod were analyzed. The high cycle fatigue of the connecting rod under the mechanical stress and the thermal stress was studied, and the fatigue safety factor of the weak area was analyzed. Improving the cross-sectional area and oil orifice of the connecting rod, the improved connecting rod and big end bearing deformation was analyzed. The results show that the fatigue safety factor in the weak area of the improved connecting rod was increased, deformation value of big end bearing was reduced, which can meet the needs of engine durability test according to airworthiness regulations.