Abstract: Analysis of reciprocating equipment piston rod leads
to nonlinear elastic-plastic deformation analysis of rod with initial
imperfection under axial dynamic load. In this paper a new and
effective model and analytical formulations are presented to evaluate
dynamic deformation and elastic-plastic stresses of reciprocating
machine piston rod. This new method has capability to account for
geometric nonlinearity, elastic-plastic deformation and dynamic
effects. Proposed method can be used for evaluation of piston rod
performance for various reciprocating machines under different
operation situations. Rod load curves and maximum allowable rod
load are calculated with presented method for a refinery type
reciprocating compressor. Useful recommendations and guidelines
for rod load, rod load reversal and rod drop monitoring are also
addressed.