A modern internal combustion engine relies on multiple connecting rods to translate the reciprocating motion of its pistons to rotation of its crankshaft. Fatigue failure of any one of the connecting rods in an engine (i.e. “throwing a rod”) can catastrophically cause damage beyond repair. Therefore the connecting rod is a unique combination of being both an operation-critical part, and a high-production volume part. This tutorial provides background on the current design and manufacturing methods used by the industry for connecting rods, and how computational modeling with VPS-MICRO can provide robust durability analysis of this important engine component. Simply submit your name and email in the form below and click Get Download.

The Design Input for VPS-MICRO defines a component’s geometry, loading characteristics, and stress response in fatigue. A structural model (such as a finite element analysis – FEA) provides the basis for this information. This can then be supplemented with specific details to more effectively describe the in-service loading/stress environment. This tutorial will show you the methods of obtaining the individual design inputs, and provide a real-world example of how these inputs work together within the VPS-MICRO software interface. Simply submit your name and email in the form below and click Get Download.

This tutorial provides a basic overview of what is included in the Material Input File for VPS-MICRO. The parameters in this file are collected using standard material property testing methods, and, as opposed to finite element structural modeling, realistic variation in the material is quantified. VEXTEC’s technology leverages computational efficiency in processing the material model, to provide a more-accurate fatigue prediction. Simply submit your name and email in the form below and click Get Download.

This tutorial is an illustrative example of how to run a simulation to predict gear reliability using VPS-MICRO. Inside the tutorial, you will find helpful information regarding how to run the software with the appropriate files, and how making changes related to various gear manufacturing processing conditions can vastly affect the reliability outputs. Simply submit your name and email in the form below and click Get Download.

Check back for these tutorials coming soon:

• • • Medical Device Stent Example Tutorial