Lubrication Analysis of a Connecting-Rod Bearing in a High-Speed Engine. Part I: Rod and Bearing Deformation

Abstract

Analysis was performed on a connecting rod assembly operating at 6,500 rpm. The analysis was based on the finite element method, which includes effects of interference fitted bearings and pre-loaded bolts. The rod inertia force associated with the gas pressure was found to have a significant effect on the variation of the rod bearing shape. The shape variation of a connecting rod assembly is commonly ignored in rod bearing analyses. Investigation of bearing deformation was conducted in order to evaluate the lubrication characteristics.

Keywords:

• Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication
• Connecting Rod Bearing
• Inertial Force
• Bearing Deformation

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors acknowledge HKS, Inc. of Michigan for its technical support.

Presented at the STLE/ASME Tribology Conference in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida October 26-29, 2003

Final manuscript approved October 7, 2003

Review led by Luis San Andres