Development of a connecting rod concept for a power-increased gas engine

Sebastian Hopp

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

Abstract

Stationary gas engines have undergone a revival in recent years, as they are regarded as an environmentally friendly and efficient way of generating electricity. The constant further development of these engines with the aim of achieving a higher power output, better efficiency and lower fuel consumption has led to ever higher demands being placed on core engine components in particular. In addition to some other core engine components, a new connecting rod has to be developed for a power-increased Type 6 gas engine of the company INNIO Jenbacher GmbH & Co OG. Connecting rods are complex components that are subject to many different requirements in terms of reliability, functionality, design and production. Experience has shown that most failure mechanisms on a connecting rod occur in the area of the connecting rod head as a result of insufficient stiffness. Too little stiffness can lead to excessive deformation of the big end during engine operation and must therefore be avoided. In the course of this master's thesis, a methodology is developed with which criteria for the design and dimensioning of a connecting rod for large gas engines can be derived. The aim is to identify those product features that enable a functional and modern connecting rod design and fulfill defined requirements. Particular attention is paid to the performance of the big eye. Using the finite element analysis and a parametric analysis, possibilities for the evaluation and optimization of the stiffness and deformation behaviour under load are determined and geometric influences identified. On the basis of the gained knowledge finally a concept design is derived, which serves as a starting model for the development of a new connecting rod for a power-increased gas engine of the INNIO Jenbacher GmbH & Co OG. In order to confirm the correctness of the conclusions, the stiffness and deformation behaviour of the concept design and the current baseline model under load are compared and discussed.
Translated title of the contributionEntwicklung eines Pleuelstangenkonzepts für einen leistungsgesteigerten Gasmotor
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDipl.-Ing.
Awarding Institution
  • Montanuniversität
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Sifferlinger, Nikolaus August, Supervisor (internal)
Award date25 Oct 2019
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Bibliographical note

embargoed until 01-10-2024

Keywords

  • Gas engine
  • Conrod
  • Connecting rod
  • Finite element analysis
  • FEA
  • FEM
  • Design of experiments
  • DoE
  • Core engine component
  • Development

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