Dynamic FEA

Time to test out those parts!

Create an assembly with just your connecting rod:

Remember how to use FEA?

Environments →Stress Analysis →

Create Simulation → Static Analysis

Choose a material:

6061- commonly used in machine shops

http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=310

Let's pretend that the timing is off, and the piston is pushing down before the Crank is able to move → add a fixed constraint to the rod cap:

What force should we apply at the top?

Is this a reasonable value?

Add mesh

 Tighten up the mesh in areas you need more accurate results or areas you think might become problematic: 0.05in?

 Right click and update the local mesh

Run the simulation!
Careful - if your mesh is too fine, this might take some time... 

Use probes to find max and min stress and strain areas - check your safety factor, and decide if you need to redesign!

Use your snipping tool to save some screen shots

Want to do a before / after modifications comparison?  Save your simulation - right click → Copy Simulation

right click on your part, open it up, modify it.

Open up the part, 

find the sketch you need, change it, then save it

Go back into your assembly
Right click on anything with a lightning bolt to update
update the mesh etc.
Compare results between simulation #1 and simulation #2.

lowest safety factor has gone from 1.5→3.  Success!