OPTIMIZATION OF CARDAN JOINT DESIGN FROM LOAD CAPASITY ASPECT

Abstract

To the aims of providing safe and reliable mechanical elements and systems at reasonable prices, it is necessary to meet the basic requirements of construction related to its design that means, form, function, material and process development. Design of mechanical elements and systems resulted from the harmonization of those requirements and the task of designer is to identify the optimal design solution through this process. The optimization of Cardan joint design in order to reduce maximal stress level at its elements is presented in this paper. Numerical simulation of stress-strain state was done by software that is based on application of finite element method at model of Cardan joint. Different design of considered Cardan joints are analysed, and solution with minimal level of maximal stresses at critical zones of elements are identified. The optimization of Cardan joint is done as step-by-step process at each of its elements. The results of numerical simulation of stress-strain state at critical zones of Cardan joint elements implicate that small modification of design solution can resulted in significant reduction of maximal stress levels.