Flexural Vibration Analysis of Constant Velocity Halfshafts

This paper presents a study on the resonance of front wheel drive (FWD) automobile half-shafts. This problem can occur in FWD vehicles when the excitation frequency generated by the engine equals one of the bending natural frequencies of the half-shaft [7],[8]. Experimental modal analysis is today the prefered method in the study of this problem[6], but in this paper the bending natural frequencies of the half-shaft are obtained using a numerical and a parametric method. Comparison of numerical results using two half-shaft models and experimental data shows good agreement. The physical variables that influence the phenomenon are then investigated, and a dimensional analysis is conducted to obtain parametric design graphs that help to calculate resonance frequencies of the half-shaft. Results of the graphical method are also compared with published experimental and numerical results, showing very good agreement At the end a procedure for verification and design of shafts and half-shafts is defined, helping to shorten the process of design and quotation of the halfshaft project.