Vibration analysis and topology optimization of titanium alloy connecting rod for agricultural internal combustion engine

In order to realize the lightweight of a titanium alloy connecting rod of an agricultural internal combustion engine, the connecting rod model is established by SolidWorks and imported into the associated ANSYS Workbench. The finite element analysis of the connecting rod is conducted. The stress distribution and deformation of the connecting rod under four working conditions are obtained, and the static analysis is carried out. The analysis results show that the maximum equivalent stress under all working conditions is in the transition region of rod body and small head, and there are different degrees of stress concentration. Through the modal analysis of titanium alloy connecting rod, the first six natural frequencies and modal shapes are obtained. Based on the modal analysis, the harmonic response analysis is accomplished, and the displacement frequency response curves of connecting rod in X, Y and Z axes are obtained. Finally, the topology optimization design of titanium alloy connecting rod is carried out, so that the weight of connecting rod is reduced from 205.55 g to 135.31 g, which is reduced by 34.17%. The stress decreases from 324.08 MPa to 303.31 MPa, which is reduced by 6.41%. The redesigned titanium alloy connecting rod realizes the maximum utilization efficiency of materials, reduces the weight of titanium alloy connecting rod, and determines the feasibility of topology optimization.