Weight optimization and Finite Element Analysis of Composite automotive drive shaft for Maximum Stiffness

Abstract: Replacing composite bodies by the conventional metallic bodies have many advantages because of high specific strength and high specific stiffness of the composite materials. As compared to the conventional drive shafts, Composite drive shafts have the potential of lighter and longer life with high rotational speed. Nowadays drive shafts are used in two pieces. However, the main advantage of the current design is that only one piece of composite drive shaft is possible that fulfils all the drive shaft requirements. The torsional strength, torsional buckling and bending natural frequency are the main basic requirements considered here. This work is all about the replacing the conventional two-piece steel drive shaft with a one-piece carbon/epoxy. Design of composite drive shaft Classical Lamination Theory is used for the design of composite drive shaft. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to design composite drive shafts incorporating carbon within an epoxy matrix. From experimental results, it was found that the developed one-piece automotive composite drive shaft had 64% mass reduction, 74% increase in torque capability compared with a conventional two-piece steel drive shaft. It also had 6380 rpm of natural frequency which was higher than the design specification of 3050 rpm. Index Terms: Bending frequency, Composite Materials, Drive shaft, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Power transmission, Torsion, Torsional buckling.

Download Full-text

Based on Analysis of Finite Element Analysis of Automobile Transmission Shaft Comprehensive Optimization

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.684.341 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 684 ◽

pp. 341-346

Author(s):

Heng Yi Yuan

Keyword(s):

Finite Element Analysis ◽

Finite Element ◽

Finite Element Model ◽

High Speed ◽

Ride Comfort ◽

Element Model ◽

Drive Shaft ◽

Element Analysis ◽

Finite Element Software ◽

Transmission Shaft

The shaft as an important parts of automobile transmission system, in the process of the car have the effect of rotational speed and torque. Due to the structural characteristics of its low frequency, small stiffness, universal joint, such as the existence of the additional moment drive shaft inevitably exist when high speed vibration phenomenon. So the shaft vibration problems to deal with the vehicle ride comfort, comfort and dynamic performance has important significance. On the basis of the finite element software ANSYS, the physical design of drive shaft. Analyzes the mapping grid finite element model of transmission shaft, facilitate accurate transmission shaft strength calculation. Based on the inherent frequency and vibration model of finite element method to calculate transmission shaft, using experimental modal technology for modal analysis of the shaft, the test results verify the reliability of the finite element model. On this basis, the drive shaft assembly constraint modal finite element analysis, can be used as the basis of further research.

Download Full-text

The Multi-Parametric Weight Optimization of a Hydraulic Actuator

Actuators ◽

10.3390/act9030060 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 60

Author(s):

Luigi Solazzi ◽

Andrea Buffoli ◽

Raffaele Formicola

Keyword(s):

Finite Element Analysis ◽

Finite Element ◽

Minimum Weight ◽

Hydraulic Cylinder ◽

Point Of View ◽

Weight Optimization ◽

Hydraulic Actuator ◽

Working Pressure ◽

Element Analysis ◽

Very High

This research was derived from the experimental observation that hydraulic actuators are positioned on machines that are subjected to movements and whose dynamic actions, the accelerations, are very high; it is acceptable to think of an actuator for an anthropomorphic robot. From this point of view, the weight of the actuator plays a fundamental role in the performance of the machine. In order to face this problem, a real hydraulic cylinder has been designed (for use on an earth moving machine) both analytically (adopting the theories of continuous mechanics) and numerically through finite element analysis. The results obtained were then generalized by determining functions that in relation to specific values of the variables, such as working pressure, allow one to determine the minimum weight of the component and its geometric configuration. The functions also made it possible to identify the most significant contributions to the overall weight of the component and therefore the elements on which to focus the subsequent lightening process. In particular, the greatest contribution is made by obtaining relations that are completely general and therefore adaptable to different case studies.

Download Full-text

Finite Element Analysis Study on Lattice Structure Fabricated Recycled Polystyrene from Post-used Styrofoam Waste

MATEC Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/matecconf/202133503007 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 335 ◽

pp. 03007

Author(s):

Chia Zheng Jie Juarez ◽

Seong Chun Koay ◽

Ming Yeng Chan ◽

Hui Leng Choo ◽

Ming Meng Pang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Finite Element Analysis ◽

Finite Element ◽

Lattice Structure ◽

Structure Design ◽

Triangular Prism ◽

Element Analysis ◽

Square Prism ◽

Maximum Stiffness ◽

3D Printed ◽

Fea Simulation

Lattice structure design widely applicable for 3D printed components. This research investigated the lattice structure with different shape and relative density using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation. The material used for the lattice structure was the recycled polystyrene made from post-used Styrofoam. The research assessed the mechanical behaviour of lattice structure with either triangular prism and square prism with FEA simulation and numerical mathematical modelling, such as stiffness to-mass ratio, maximum von Misses stress and effective Young’s modulus. The finding FEA shows a good agreement with result from numerical mathematic modelling. The FEA results show lattice structure with triangular prism exhibited lowest value of maximum von Misses stress with maximum stiffness-to-mass value compared to lattice structure square prism. The finding from this work provided an early prediction on mechanical properties of lattice structure fabricated from recycled polystyrene.

Download Full-text

Comparison between external locking plate fixation and conventional external fixation for extraarticular proximal tibial fractures: a finite element analysis

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research ◽

10.1186/s13018-021-02907-3 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Dejan Blažević ◽

Janoš Kodvanj ◽

Petra Adamović ◽

Dinko Vidović ◽

Zlatko Trobonjača ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Finite Element Analysis ◽

Finite Element ◽

External Fixation ◽

Tibial Fracture ◽

Locking Plate ◽

Plate Fixation ◽

Proximal Tibial Fracture ◽

Locking Plate Fixation ◽

Element Analysis ◽

Maximum Stiffness

Abstract Background Good clinical outcomes for locking plates as an external fixator to treat tibial fractures have been reported. However, external locking plate fixation is still generally rarely performed. This study aimed to compare the stability of an external locking plate fixator with that of a conventional external fixator for extraarticular proximal tibial fractures using finite element analysis. Methods Three models were constructed: (1) external locking plate fixation of proximal tibial fracture with lateral proximal tibial locking plate and 5-mm screws (ELP), (2) conventional external fixation of proximal tibial fracture with an 11-mm rod and 5-mm Schanz screws (EF-11), and (3) conventional external fixation of a proximal tibial fracture with a 7-mm rod and 5-mm Schanz screws (EF-7). The stress distribution, displacement at the fracture gap, and stiffness of the three finite element models at 30-, 40-, 50-, and 60-mm plate–rod offsets from the lateral surface of the lateral condyle of the tibia were determined. Results The conventional external fixator showed higher stiffness than the external locking plate fixator. In all models, the stiffness decreased as the distance of the plate–rod from the bone surface increased. The maximum stiffness was 121.06 N/mm in the EF-11 model with 30-mm tibia–rod offset. In the EF-7 model group, the maximum stiffness was 40.00 N/mm in the model with 30-mm tibia–rod offset. In the ELP model group, the maximum stiffness was 35.79 N/mm in the model with 30-mm tibia–plate offset. Conclusions Finite element analysis indicated that external locking plate fixation is more flexible than conventional external fixation and can influence secondary bone healing. External locking plate fixation requires the placement of the plate as close as possible to the skin, which allows for a low-profile design because the increased distance from the plate to the bone can be too flexible for bone healing. Further experimental mechanical model tests are necessary to validate these finite element models, and further biological analysis is necessary to evaluate the effect of external locking plate fixation on fracture healing.

Download Full-text