4.

Development of High Fatigue Strength Free Machining

Microalloyed Steel for Connecting Rods
Paper #:
 930619
Published:
 1993-03-01
DOI:
 10.4271/930619
Citation:
Nakamura, S., Mizuno, K., Matsubara, T., and Sato, Y., "Development of High Fatigue Strength Free
Machining Microalloyed Steel for Connecting Rods," SAE Technical Paper 930619, 1993,
doi:10.4271/930619.
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Author(s):
 Sadayuki Nakamura
 Kohki Mizuno
 Toshihiko Matsubara
 Yasunori Sato
Affiliated:
 Honda R & D Co., Ltd.
Pages:
10
Abstract:
Corresponding to the demand for light and strong connecting rods for passenger cars, the authors
started the project on development of a high strength free machining microalloyed steel and the
application to new light steel connecting rods. To meet the demand that the new steel has high
strength and good machinability, the influence of alloying elements such as C, Mn, Cr, V, S, Pb, and
Ca on fatigue strength and machinability was investigated. 1.1%Mn-0.5%Cr is the best combination to
obtain the high fatigue strength. Lowering the carbon content down to 0.33% and increasing the
vanadium content to control the hardness gives the high toughness which improves the fatigue
strength of free machining grades with S and Pb. The finally obtained chemical composition is
0.33%C-1.05%Mn-0.5%Cr-0.12%V-0.055%S-0.20%Pb-Ca. The steel has a fatigue strength 26%
higher than a conventional high strength type of microalloyed forging steel (0.39%C-1.05%Mn-
0.11%V).Based on the fundamental data of the newly developed steel, a new connecting rod was
designed and examined. The weight of the connecting rod is about 15% lower then the conventional
one.
Also in:
 New Engine Design and Engine Component Technology - SP-0972
 SAE 1993 Transactions: Journal of Engines - V102-3
Event:
 International Congress & Exposition
Sector:
 Automotive
Topic:
 Machining processes
 Vanadium alloys
 Connecting rods