Analysis of Point Contact Isothermal Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Characteristics of a New Type of Trigeminal Universal Coupling for Automobile

Abstract

This thesis designed a new type of trigeminal universal coupling structure that changes the original surface contact sliding friction into point contact rolling friction. We analyzed the characteristics of isothermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication to ensure new construction on the drive shaft stability, reliability, and durability. First, we established a contact model of the improved new structure and analyzed the isothermal elastohydrodynamic characteristics of the point contact. Then we studied the input shaft frequency, load, deflection angle, and lubrication characteristics. Research indicated that the other being equal, the faster the input shaft frequency could lead to a thicker oil film, a higher oil film pressure, and a higher secondary pressure peak. The higher load could cause the thinner oil film thickness, the lower oil film pressure, the later position where the pressure begins to increase, and the less obvious second pressure peak. The greater deflection angle could bring about the thicker oil film thickness, the higher oil film pressure, the earlier position where the pressure began to increase, and the earlier position at which the secondary pressure peak was located. This phenomenon was more pronounced in the contact center area.