Title: Transverse vibration of multi-segment shaft system joined with multiple hinges

Authors: Javed Iqbal, Mohamad S. Qatu

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Oakland University, Rochester Hills, MI, 48307, USA; Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI, 48321 USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA

Abstract: A driveshaft with discontinuities (i.e., joints) is a major component in various industries including marine and automotive ones. The segments of a multi-piece driveshaft in automotive applications are joined using constant velocity or universal joints or a combination of both. The design of the driveshaft of an automotive system is primarily driven by its natural frequency. This paper presents an exact solution for the vibration of a three-piece driveshaft with multiple intermediate hinges. Each joint is modelled as a frictionless internal hinge. The Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is used. Lumped masses are placed on each side of the joint to represent the joint mass. Equations of motion are developed using the appropriate boundary conditions and then solved exactly. Natural frequencies and mode shapes are obtained. Numerical results obtained here are compared with those obtained using experimental and analytical tools (e.g., finite elements). The solution should be of value to engineers interested in the design and optimisation of the driveline systems.

Keywords: transverse vibration; multi-segment shafts; internal hinges; lumped masses; multiple hinges; vehicle driveshaft; driveshaft design; vehicle design; automotive driveshafts; driveshaft vibration; joint modelling; beam theory; natural frequencies; mode shapes; driveline systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVNV.2010.034812

International Journal of Vehicle Noise and Vibration, 2010 Vol.6 No.1, pp.73 - 89

Published online: 23 Aug 2010 *

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