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Crankshaft is one of the critical components of an engine (5C: cylinder head, connecting rod, crankshaft, camshaft and cylinder block). It is subjected to repetitive and dynamic loads due to cyclic operation of an engine and inertia forces. Due to uneven mass distribution, failure zones occur near fillets and holes in journal locations during operation of the engine. Hence, this topic was chosen because of increasing interest in higher payloads, lower weight, higher efficiency and shorter load cycles in crankshaft equipment. Calculation of Crankshaft strength consists initially in determining the nominal alternating bending and nominal alternating torsional stresses, which multiplied by the appropriate SCF (Stress Concentration Factor), result in an equivalent alternating stress. This equivalent alternating stress is then compared with the fatigue strength of the selected crankshaft material. This comparison will show whether or not the crankshaft concerned is dimensioned adequately.

To compete with the current market trends there is always a need to arrive at a cost effective and light weight designs, hence the need for upgrading the existing/proven integral connecting rod to fracture split connecting rod. This technique provides gains as weight reduction and consequently reducing noise and vibration due to the decrease of the oscillating mass from the system. Using the proposed fracture split connecting rod, it is estimated that cost savings of up to 10%, reduction in weight and better fatigue performance (25% - 30%) can be achieved. For this, we have used simulation tools to reduce number of physical tests and thereby achieving considerable reduction in design and development time and cost. High carbon alloy steel used for manufacturing fracture split connecting rod and it doesn’t require additional heat treatment after hot forging.