Performance Assessment of Forged 4340 Steel for Turbocharged Diesel Engine Connecting Rod Applications

Abstract

This study assesses and focuses on the performance of forged 4340 steel connecting rod of turbocharged diesel engine, emphasizing its advantages when subjected to intense dynamic forces. The study utilizes computational and numerical analysis on material properties and crank mechanisms involving crank angle, engine cylinder pressure to determine the combustion forces, and inertia force of crank-connecting rod operation. This study also utilizes the Autodesk Inventor Pro 2024 software to analyze the static structural analysis of the forged 4340 steel connecting rod by subjecting the crank mechanism forces onto it. Findings reveal that the forged 4340 steel compromises the relation of those crank mechanism force with its tensile strength, durability, lower weight ratio and fatigue resistance. The study concludes that the forged 4340 steel is a practical, high-performance alternative for connecting rod applications, especially in demanding diesel engine scenarios.