The connecting rod in a compressor plays a critical role in transmitting the reciprocating motion from the piston to the crankshaft, making it a vital component that is constantly subjected to cyclic loads and stresses. This study aims to evaluate the structural strength and reliability of a compressor connecting rod by utilizing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) through SolidWorks Simulation software. The connecting rod was modeled with realistic geometric dimensions and material properties commonly used in household refrigerator compressors, such as aluminum alloys or medium-carbon steel. The simulation was performed by applying realistic boundary conditions, including compressive forces, reaction loads from the crankshaft, and constraints reflecting actual operational conditions. The results of the finite element simulation provided insights into the stress distribution, deformation patterns, and safety factors of the connecting rod under various load conditions. The maximum von Mises stress was identified in the transition area between the rod and the crank pin, which is consistent with typical failure points found in previous studies. From the analysis, it was concluded that the existing design provides an acceptable safety factor under normal working conditions, but optimizations in material thickness and fillet radius at critical regions could further enhance durability and reduce the risk of fatigue failure. This study highlights the importance of structural analysis in improving the reliability and longevity of compressor components through simulation-based design validation.
Permadi et al. (Sat,) studied this question.