Dynamic load analysis of the connecting bolts in a universal joint

Dynamic loads of the connecting bolts in a universal joint can greatly affect the bolt fatigue and fracture, as well as the machinery safety and stability. But few researches focused on those. To obtain the dynamic load characteristics of the connecting bolts in a universal joint, this paper established a flexible dynamic model for the connecting bolts. A multibody dynamic model of a universal joint is developed. The dynamic loads on the connecting bolts of the universal joint are analyzed. The influences of the preloads, speeds and loads are studied. The amplitude and frequency properities are obtained. The effect of the preload is small when the preload is in the range of 80%~120% of the standard value. The load and speed have great influence on the time- and frequency-domain dynamic loads of the bolts. The flexible dynamic model of the connecting bolt is closer to the actual situation than the rigid model since it can consider the preload and deformation of the bolts. This study can provide guidance for the fatigue life prediction of the universal shaft and its bolts.