IJLTEMAS International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering, Management & Applied Science (IJLTEMAS) IJLTEMAS 2278-2540 IJLTEMAS 164 10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.150700158 Education Modifying Operational Efficiency of Static-Structural Loading and Performance Analysis of a Connecting Rod in a Diesel Engine Ojolimi Noah Atakpa National Space Research and Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria. Nigeria Salamatu Inuwa National Space Research and Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria. Nigeria Mayowa Abioye Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Nigeria Isaac Jonah Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Nigeria. Nigeria 15 7 2051 2065 10 08 2026 15 08 2026 26 08 2026 Education Abstract

This study presents a finite element analysis-based evaluation of suitable materials for the connecting rod of a diesel engine using ANSYS 2024 R1 simulation. The study focuses on three aluminum-based materials AA356.0-T6, Al7039/Cu/SiC, and Al7050-T7451 to determine their mechanical performance under realistic engine loading conditions. Static structural analysis was conducted to determine the stress distribution, deformation response and elastic strain behaviour of the connecting rod under a peak load of 7.58MPa. The pressure load of 7.58 MPa was applied at the small end while the big end was fixed. The results revealed that AA356.0-T6 experienced a minimum deformation of 0.24282 mm, von-Mises stress of 124.74 MPa, and equivalent elastic strain of 0.001723. The Al7039/Cu/SiC composite showed a little higher deformation of 0.27311 mm, a corresponding stress of 176.04 MPa and equivalent elastic strain of 0.0017608 whereas Al7050-T7451 demonstrated the highest deformation (0.41653 mm), a high stress of 196.61 MPa and equivalent elastic strain of 0.0023328. The simulation results revealed that AA356.0-T6 exhibited superior stiffness with minimal deformation under static loading.

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