Strctural Strength Finite Element Analysis Of Automotive Constant Velocity Drive-shaft

Constant Velocity Drive-shaft is a critical component of the automotive dynamic transmission system. Its structural strength and working performance will directly influence working reliability of whole automobile. This thesis is combined with the project－"design and exploitation of Automotive Constant Drive-Shaft", which is undertaken by the topic team. Based on the structural simplification to three-dimension solid models of ball-cage type and three column-shaft type constant velocity joint, and the three-dimension solid models are obtained by conversion engineering. Altair/Hpermesh software is used here for generating the finite element mesh of key parts of ball-cage type and three column-shaft type constant velocity joint.Then mesh results are imported into ANSYS/LS-DYNA software, after appliying constraint and boundry conditions , establishing material attributes and defining contact pair. the finite element model of ball-cage type and three column-shaft type constant velocity joint are built. The value and distribution of contact stress on each contact pair of ball-cage type and three column-shaft type constant velocity joint are calculated, through indoor test to constant velocity drive-shaft, validity of finite element calculation result is confirmed, Then, with the confirmed finite element model of ball-cage type and three column-shaft type constant velocity joint. The value and distribution of stress on each contact part of them are analysed and discussed in detail, When the ball-cage type constant velocity joint work with six contact pair and with single contact pair, and when the three column-shaft type constant velocity joint work with three contact pair and with single contact pair, The analysis result indicated that all contact pairs of the two constant velocity joints can not transfer force evenly. We compare the maximum contact stress value on contact pairs when the two constant velocity joints transfer force evenly with the maximum when they transfer unevenly. It is found that the former is smaller than the latter. It showed that the maximum contact stress value on each contact pair can be lowered remarkably and the constant velocity joints's life span can be prolonged significantly by improving ball-cage type and three column-shaft type constant velocity joint's manufacturing precision, and by lessening their deformation during the heat treatment process to make each contact pair transfer the stress evenly. It offers reference to the optimal design to the constant velocity joint .Finally, a good many factors that cause the error to the outcome of finite element analysis method are analyzed and discussed.