Failure Analysis of a Universal Coupling using Finite Element Method

Abstract

Generation of stress, displacement and strain in a universal coupling has been analyzed. Circumferential stress is applied at the yoke slot and also on the hub and simulated separately. The simulation is carried out with the help of SolidWorks 2010. To show the effect of temperature rise due to friction at the yoke slot, thermal load is gradually increased at the slot. The results are demonstrated both in the form of surface contour and graph. It has been showed that friction between yoke slot and hub can increase the temperature, which can eventually increase the thermal stress paving the way to failure of yoke or hub material. It is also found that the hub experiences a larger stress compared to the yoke when loaded under same pressure. Thus, the hub has the higher probability to fail than the yoke. At the end of the paper, some recommendations regarding universal coupling building material and reduction of friction have been made. Finally, the results obtained here are highly accurate and conform to the physical and loading conditions.