Static, Modal and Buckling Analyses of Automotive Propeller Shaft using Finite Element Methods

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative study of static, modal and buckling analyses of aluminium alloys and steel, Al6351, Al7075 and SM45C made automotive propeller shafts using finite element methods. The 3D-model of propeller shaft is created in CATIA and then analysis is done using ANSYS. Natural frequency is determined for six different mode shapes and the critical load at which the propeller shaft starts buckling is compared for dissimilar materials. The stress distribution and unsafe areas are shown for the modification in existing design of the propeller shaft. It is found that the aluminum propeller shaft has higher natural frequency than the steel propeller shaft. Therefore, the resonance stage reaches later in aluminum propeller shaft and enhances its life.