Modelling of light range commercial vehicle propeller shafts under dynamic effects

In this study the propeller shafts of Eurocargo commercial vehicle, produced inTurkey, have been analyzed. The main point of this study is 3D modelling of shaftsand observing their behaviour under dynamic effects that the vehicle undergoes.Constructed model has been analyzed by using finite element methods and resultshave been compared with analytical calculations.To find the settlement of propeller shafts, the 3D model of the vehicle and shaftshave been constructed considering that the vehicle carries maximum available load.By keeping the original layout of shafts, the torque that could be applied to shafts bychanging gear ratios have been calculated. Under necessary boundary conditions thetorque values have been applied and seven different stress levels have been found.Moreover the results have been verified by analytical calculations.In the most critical stress levels the vibration analysis has been made to find the firstsix mode shapes and natural frequencies. Analytically the critical speed of shafts hasbeen calculated. All analytical graphics have been presented.Fully reversed fatigue calculations in the most critical situation have been made.Additionally the torque variation of the prototype vehicle under dynamic effects hasbeen developed to simulate road conditions and fatigue characteristics has beenfound.The results of this study have been presented in the results section to provideresearchers who are willing to perform similar analysis.KKEYWORDS : Eurocargo, Light Range Commercial Vehicle, Propeller Shafts, 3DModelling,Dynamic Effects, Finite Element Methods, Analysis