ABSTRACT
The present investigation focused on application of hexagonal perforations on the web of connecting rods through direct metal laser sintering (D-M-L-S) procedures to enhance the anti-buckling behavior and overall weight reduction of connecting rods for improved performance. The finite-element (FE)-method-based simulation package SIMSOLID-20.0 was utilized to develop and perform simulations of perforated connecting rods. Several numerical simulations were carried out to present stresses and dynamic frequency data for the investigating the effect of the hexagonal perforations on the critical load of web buckling of connecting rods. Different D-M-L-S-based 3D printing metals were selected and their mechanical properties were used in the buckling analysis, evaluating the modal and dynamic frequencies. The dimensions of hexagonal perforations with different width-height ratios are considered and the results are shown in comparison with and without the hexagonal perforations on the web of connecting rods in terms of criticalbuckling and various stresses induced. Based on the FE simulation results data, factors enhancing the anti-buckling behavior with hexagonal perforations is presented for an improved engineering design of connecting rod.
