Investigate the Influence of Dynamic Parameters on the Durability of Automobile Drive Shafts

The automobile drive shaft (propeller shaft assembly) is an important component of the power transmission system, moving continuously during operation. This article studies the influence of dynamic parameters on the durability of the automobile drive shaft, focusing on the geometric factor of shaft length L (mm) affecting the durability, evaluated through deformation ε (mm), displacement Df (mm/m), and torsion angle θ (rad). The main assumptions of the study include that the shaft lies in a vertical plane passing through the vehicle's center of gravity, which is a longitudinally symmetrical plane, ignoring manufacturing and assembly errors, friction at joints, and deformation of related parts. Applying Matlab Mupad and Simulink and Ansys Workbench software to investigate some dynamic parameters of 2 drive shaft configurations: Case 1 with length L1 = 1300 mm, shaft body thickness b1 = 6 mm (L1 = 1300 mm × 6 mm) and case 2 with length L2 = 1450 mm, shaft body thickness b2 = 6 mm (L2 = 1450 mm x 6mm). The results show that for the short shaft (L1): total displacement Df1 =518.435 mm/m, twist angle θ1 =500 (rad) and for the long shaft (L2) the total displacement Df2 =875.35 mm/m and the twist angle θ2 =973.6 rad and the deformation in all directions are also larger for the long shaft (L2), thereby directly affecting the strength of the shaft. These results provide an important scientific basis for optimizing the design of drive shafts, increasing strength and reducing vibration in light vehicles.