Simulation And Improved Design Of Automobile Constant Velocity Drive Shaft Based On Vitual Prototype Technology

The constant velocity drive shaft is a important component of car. Its performance has a great influence on the reliability of vehicle. With the development of computer technology, we can now establish virtual prototype model in the computer, and assist the research and development of products through the simulation of the model in the process of mechanical products design. In addition, with the advent of world energy and environmental problems, for the automotive industry, lightweight design has become a trend of the development of car in order to reduce the energy consumption. And the constant velocity drive shaft as the key parts of the car, its lightweight design has become the focus of research. In this paper, we set the reliability and lightweight of the constant velocity drive shaft as a goal. Then we establish the virtual prototype model of the constant velocity drive shaft, and carried on the related analysis and research of it. The main research contents of this paper are as follows:(1) The 3D models of the constant velocity drive shaft are built by the technique of virtual prototype. And the static analysis and modal analysis on the models are done through the finite element software. And we get the vulnerable position and resonance of the drive shaft assembly. Then we verify the accuracy of the simulation results through the experiment.(2) The analysis and calculation of durability of the tripod universal joint are done to check whether it meets the use requirements. The finite element analysis (FEA) on the stress and fatigue of tripod universal joint is conducted using ANSYS software. Then we find out the place where stress concentration and the minimum life appear at the tripod universal joint. Then we do the fatigue experiment to test whether it satisfies the requirements.(3) In order to achieve the purpose of weight reduction, we reduce the overall size of tripod universal joint by increasing the number of pivot of it. The 3D model is established after it improved. And to verify its feasibility, we compare the simulation results that the statics and fatigue analysis on it using finite element analysis software ANSYS before and after improvement.(4) Through the combined simulation of software, we establish the rigid flexible coupling model of constant velocity drive shaft. The simulation analysis on the model in the two cases when its angle will change and not are done using the simulation software ADAMS. Then we get the speed difference of the drive shaft in the two cases to test its constant. Then we analysis the moving trajectory of the steel balls in the rzeppa constant velocity joint, and to show the influence on the constant of the moving trajectory of the steel balls in the universal joint, we compare the moving trajectory and speed difference with another rzeppa universal joint used on all terrain vehicle. Then we analysis the induced force led by the friction between the three column shells and the bearing ring.