Abstract
Composite materials may be used for selective improvements to automobile engines. For example, using a composite connecting rod offers some advantages such as weight saving, inertial forces reductions, increasing automobile speeds and reducing noise emission from engines.
Two technological approaches were chosen for connecting rod production. The first type of connecting rod consists of a compression-stressed shank made of laminated plastic and the tension loop made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). The second type of connecting rod is made of multi-directional laminated CFRP. Due to these approaches split and unsplit versions were made. Moreover, the titanium-CFRP concept of the split connecting rod was assessed.
Several studies have shown the possibility of manufacturing composite connecting rods satisfying load requirements for engine components.
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