Effect of geometrical parameters variation of the cardan joint yoke on its load capacity

Abstract

For the aims of mechanical parts and assemblies quality providing, it is necessary to meet the basic requirements of construction related to form, function, material and process development. Form of mechanical part resulted from the harmonization of those requirements and the task of designer is to identify the optimal construction form. This paper presents the analysis of effect of the geometric parameters variation on the stress level at joint yoke of Cardan shaft transmitter. The main function of the power transmitter with Cardan shaft is to transmit power and rotation between shafts with variable position, or certain angles, of the axis during exploitation. Joint yoke is one of the essential parts of the Cardan shaft. In most cases, the major influential factor to dimensions and reliability of Cardan shaft are the properties of its joint yoke. In the study presented in this paper, the stress limit at the joint yoke is calculated by analytical method, and then, obtained result is proven by numerical method. It is shown that small variations in geometry of the joint yoke lead to the significant reduction of stress level. Iterative procedure of the forms corrections and repeating of numerical calculations of stresses have been done to identify favourable relation between geometric parameters of the joint yoke.