An experimental investigation of the load distribution of splined joints under gear loading conditions

Abstract

Splined joints are commonly used to transmit rotary motion from a shaft to machine elements such as gears. While computationally efficient spline load distribution models have recently been proposed, there is no validated load distribution model of a splined joint due to lack of high-fidelity experimental data. Accordingly, this study aims to establish an extensive experimental database on load distributions of splined joints subject to both spur and helical gear loading conditions. A quasi-static, spline-specific test setup is developed and instrumented. A test matrix covering various loading conditions is executed in order to form a spline load distribution database. The experimental data illustrates the cyclic nature of loads and resultant stresses on spline teeth caused by rotation of the spline teeth in relation to the gear mesh that loads the splined joint. A nonlinear relationship between torque applied and resultant stress is revealed, as well as the relationship between the location of maximum stress along the face width and the amount of lead crown modification applied. Lastly, simulation results from the model of Hong et al. (2014b) are compared to the experimental data under spur and helical gear loading conditions to assess the premise of such models.

Optimal shaft-hub connections

“…In Figure 7 the von Mises stress is scaled by the nominal von Mises stress. 9 In the modelling the spline tooth extends across the whole shaft length to avoid the influence from run-out.…”

“…In Figure 7 the von Mises stress is scaled by the nominal von Mises stress. 9 In the modelling the spline tooth extends across the whole shaft length to avoid the influence from run-out. In Figure 7 we see that for this case we have a stress concentration factor K vM = 3:34, the high stress occurs in the hub at outer surface where we have a singularity in the contact between shaft and hub, corresponding to point c in Figure 5.…”

“…The fatigue strength evaluation of a shaft hub connection is performed by finding the maximum stress in the connection, most typically controlled by a stress concentration. In relation to splines the stress evaluation can be found in Yoshitake 8 and Benatar et al 9 using experimental methods and in Leykin and Starichneva 10 and Wink and Nakandakari 11 using analytical methods. Evaluation using finite element methods (FEM) can be found in Refs.…”

Dynamic modelling for hydraulic disc brake with floating supported friction plate considering nonlinear tooth clearance impact

“…By inputting any load component and any initial separation, the load distribution characteristics of spline under various combined loads can be determined. Benatar et al [10] established an extensive experimental database, developed a special quasi-static spline testing device, tested the load distribution of spline connection under spur gear and helical gear load, and compared it with the spline load distribution mode. Liu et al utilized finite element method to the whole Ravigneaux planetary gear set with two ring gears with external spline teeth, it was found that the middle zone between two external spline teeth has large stress due to impact [11].…”