Topology & Topography Optimization of a Drive Shaft

Automotive drive shafts, which transmit power from the transmission unit to the rear axle are in general straight round tubes. An attempt has been made to explore other possible cross-sectional shapes to improve NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) performance. The first natural frequency is a very good indicator of the NVH performance. First, finite element based topology optimization and later topography optimizations were tried out. A number of design solutions were obtained from the study and a comparison has been made. A round drive shaft with a bulge at the center has been proposed for stiffenening the drive shaft to improve the first natural frequency.