Simulation of Buckling Phenomena for a TPEE CVJ Boot

Buckling at low temperature of a constant velocity joint (CVJ) boot was studied. In order to meet demands for reduction of boot size and weight, insight into the buckling mechanism is essential for optimized design of the boot. Since the buckling mechanism was not understood, it was hitherto impossible to simulate it. In this paper, the mechanism was clarified from both analytical and experimental investigation, and a simulation method was developed by using ABAQUS/Explicit. This method is effective in evaluating buckling resistance of new boot designs.