Factors that affect the fatigue strength of power transmission shafting

A long standing objective in the design of power transmission shafting is to eliminate excess shaft material without compromising operational reliability. A shaft design method is presented which accounts for variable amplitude loading histories and their influence on limited life designs. The effects of combined bending and torsional loading are considered along with a number of application factors known to influence the fatigue strength of shafting materials. Among the factors examined are surface condition, size, stress concentration, residual stress and corrosion fatigue

New methodology for shaft design based on life expectancy

The design of power transmission shafting for reliability has not historically received a great deal of attention. However, weight sensitive aerospace and vehicle applications and those where the penalties of shaft failure are great, require greater confidence in shaft design than earlier methods provided. This report summarizes a fatigue strength-based, design method for sizing shafts under variable amplitude loading histories for limited or nonlimited service life. Moreover, applications factors such as press-fitted collars, shaft size, residual stresses from shot peening or plating, corrosive environments can be readily accommodated into the framework of the analysis. Examples are given which illustrate the use of the method, pointing out the large life penalties due to occasional cyclic overloads

Spin analysis of concentrated traction contacts

Spin, the result of a mismatch in contact radii on either side of the point of rolling, has a detrimental effect on traction contact performance. It occurs in concentrated contacts having conical or contoured rolling elements, such as those in traction drives or angular contact bearings, and is responsible for an increase in contact heating and power loss. The kinematics of spin producing contact geometries and the subsequent effect on traction and power loss are investigated. The influence of lubricant traction characteristics and contact geometries that minimize spin are also addressed

Proposed design procedure for transmission shafting under fatigue loading

A new standard for the design of transmission shafting is reported. Computed was the diameter of rotating solid steel shafts under combined cyclic bending and steady torsion is presented. The formula is based on an elliptical variation of endurance strength with torque exhibited by combined stress fatigue data. Fatigue factors are cited to correct specimen bending endurance strength data for use in the shaft formula. A design example illustrates how the method is to be applied

Advanced continuously variable transmissions for electric and hybrid vehicles

A brief survey of past and present continuously variable transmissions (CVT) which are potentially suitable for application with electric and hybrid vehicles is presented. Discussion of general transmission requirements and benefits attainable with a CVT for electric vehicle use is given. The arrangement and function of several specific CVT concepts are cited along with their current development status. Lastly, the results of preliminary design studies conducted under a NASA contract for DOE on four CVT concepts for use in advanced electric vehicles are reviewed

Design of power-transmitting shifts

Power transmission shafting which is a vital element of all rotating machinery is discussed. Design methods, based on strength considerations for sizing shafts and axles to withstand both steady and fluctuating loads are summarized. The effects of combined bending, torsional, and axial loads are considered along with many application factors that are known to influence the fatigue strength of shafting materials. Methods are presented to account for variable amplitude loading histories and their influence on limited life designs. The influences of shaft rigidity, materials, and vibration on the design are discussed

Kinematic stability of roller pairs in free rolling contact

A set of generalized stability equations was developed for roller pairs in free rolling contact. A symmetric, dual contact model was used. Four possible external contact profiles that possess continuous contacting surfaces were studied. It was found that kinematic stability would be insured if the larger radius of transverse curvature, in absolute value, and the smaller rolling radius both exist on the roller that has the apex of its conical surface outboard of its main body. The stability criteria developed are considered to be useful for assessing axial restraint requirements for a variety of roller mechanisms and in the selection of roller contact geometry for traction drive devices

Feasibility study of a discrete bearing/roller drive rotary joint for the space station

The most critical mechanism on board the proposed space station is the continously rotating joint which must accurately align the solar power units with the sun during earth orbit. The feasibility of a multiple, discrete bearing supported joint driven by a self-loading, pinch drive actuator was investigated for this application. This concept appears to offer greater protection against catastrophic jamming, less sensitivity to adverse thermal gradients, greater accessibility to inorbit servicing or replacement and greater adaptability to very large (5 m) truss members than to more conventional continuous support bearing/gear reducer joints. Analytical trade studies performed herein establish that a discrete cam roller bearing support system having eight hangers around a continuous ring would provide sufficient radial and bending stiffness to prevent any degradation in the fundamental frequencies of the solar wing structure. Furthermore, it appears that the pinch roller drive mechanism can be readily sized to meet or exceed system performance and service life requirements. Wear life estimates based on experimental data for a steel roller coated with an advanced polyimide film show a continuous service life more than two orders of magnitude greater than required for this application

Spur-Gear-System Efficiency at Part and Full Load

A simple method for predicting the part- and full-load power loss of a steel spur gearset of arbitrary geometry supported by ball bearings is described. The analysis algebraically accounts for losses due to gear sliding, rolling traction, and windage in addition to support-ball-bearing losses. The analysis compares favorably with test data. A theoretical comparison of the component losses indicates that losses due to gear rolling traction, windage, and support bearings are significant and should be included along with gear sliding loss in a calculation of gear-system power loss

Comparison of spur gear efficiency prediction methods

The predictions of five spur-gear efficiency calculation methods were compared with three sets of test data using different gear geometries. The data and the analysis methods were limited to jet lubricated, ground, spur gears. The data covered a range in pitch line velocity to 1 to 20 m/sec (200 to 4000 ft/min) and K-load factor range of 17 to 1600