Changes and Strength Analysis by the Photoelastic Method of Universal Joint

摘要

Universal joint is a commonly used mechanism which transmits rotating torque with a variable or a fixed operation angle through three-dimensional space. In order to improve the fuel efficiency, mass reduction of universal joint is required, as well as safety, since a damage to the universal joint directly leads to an accident. In this study, an experimental specimen of variable velocity joint was made based on a detailed research on history of universal joints, and stress concentration of the specimen was analyzed by the photoelastic stress-freezing method for the next generation of universal joints which are both strong and lightweight.