Title: A dynamic model of a Cardan joint to evaluate the effect of elasticity and manufacturing errors

Authors: Marco Cirelli; Valerio Rossi; Pier Paolo Valentini; Ettore Pennestrì

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Niccolò Cusano, Via Don Carlo Gnocchi, 3, 00166 Roma, RM, Italy ' Department of Enterprise Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico, 1, 00133, Roma, Italy ' Department of Enterprise Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico, 1, 00133, Roma, Italy ' Department of Enterprise Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico, 1, 00133, Roma, Italy

Abstract: Cardan joint is a key component in many mechanical applications. Due to the redundancy of kinematic constraints, the accurate determination of reaction forces and the assessment of dynamic effects caused by joint tolerances are very challenging tasks. This paper presents a computer-aided multibody modelling approach for the simulation of a Cardan joint with manufacturing errors. During the modelling phase, the elasticity of flexible bodies is lumped and the joint compliance is taken into account using concentrated non-linear spring elements. Numerical examples have been developed and discussed in order to test the feasibility of the proposed methodology.

Keywords: cardan joint; universal joint; flexibility; tolerance; elasticity; elastic coupling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVP.2021.113423

International Journal of Vehicle Performance, 2021 Vol.7 No.1/2, pp.136 - 155

Received: 15 Jan 2020
Accepted: 13 May 2020
Published online: 04 Mar 2021 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article