Article
Article
Connecting rod
Article By:
Adams, Douglas P. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.157200
A link in several kinds of mechanisms. Usually one end of a connecting rod is intended to follow a circular path, while the other end follows a path along a straight line or a curve of large radius. The term is sometimes applied, however, to any straight link that transmits motion or power from one linkage to another within a mechanism. Figure 1 shows conventional arrangements of connecting rods in typical mechanisms. In some applications (for example, the connecting rod between the crank and an overhead oscillating member or walking beam in a well-drilling rig, or between the steering column and cross-links in an automobile) the connecting rod is called a pitman. See also: Automotive steering
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