Numerical Analysis Based on a Multi-Body Simulation for a Plunging Type Constant Velocity Joint

In early design phases of ball typed constant velocity joints (CVJ), which are widely used for the uniform transmission of rotational movement in driveshafts, the knowledge of the interactions between the components is essential. Therefore, a simulation model for a multi-body analysis is developed to consider general, transient operating conditions of the joint in the development process. The model is derived using the example of a plunging joint of the rear prop shaft, which has a straight track geometry and two track angles. On this basis, a two-dimensional, analytical contact determination between balls and tracks can be carried out, which reduces the required computation times compared to a general contact determination. Although rigid bodies are used for numerical analysis, local elastic deformations between the contact bodies are possible on the basis of Hertzian contact theory. For a higher level of detail, frictional forces are also taken into account via the Coulomb friction law, which is adapted for numerical use. To validate the simulation model, the influences of the numerical parameters are discussed and the numerical results are compared with the analytical results of the statically undeflected joint condition. Finally, the created simulation model is utilised to present the numerical joint analysis using two examples of joint kinematics analysis.