Universal Joint

To perform a transient structural analysis on a double universal joint with a spring using
three different materials Structural Steel, Stainless Steel and Titanium alloy on the joint
with the spring.

This model is imported in geometric in Ansys 15. Then this model opened in mechanical model. In geometry, no need to change the part name. Select the first body part universal joint 3 and change the material for three cases.

Material Selection only on upperjoint/part connected to spring.

Connections Settings :

In connection, remove all contacts. Provide the fixed joint to the end portion of spring.

Select the joints and select the bottom and upper part connected to pin joint and make it revolute.

Select body-body and provide revolute joint to contacting faces connected to pin joint. As Shown in Below Image

For One side of Joint, Select body-body and provide revolute joint to all eight contacting faces connected to pin joint.

Do the same selection on other side of joint, Select body-body and provide revolute joint to all eight contacting faces connected to pin joint.

Generated Meshing :

Making sure that we are in problem limit for this acadmic version of ansys.

Analysis Settings :

In analysis setting, number of steps are 5 with auto time stepping off. Time step is 0.1 sec and large deflection is on. This setting is same for all steps.

Provide joint load with rotation in z direction in such direction that the spring will get
compress. The rotation angle (in degree) are 0, -30, -60, -90, -120 and -150.

In solution, select equivalent stress and total deformation on whole body.
After analysis,Running the simulation and getting proper results

Simulation Result :

Total Deformation - Structural Steel

Equivalent Stress - Structural Steel

Total Deformation - Stainless Steel

Equivalent Stress - Stainless Steel

Total Deformation - Titanium alloy

Equivalent Stress - Titanium alloy

Result :

Case 1- Structural Steel

Case 2- Stainless Steel

Case 3 - Titanium alloy

Conclusion :

In case of equivalent stress, it\'s value decreases, when material changes from structural steel to stainless steel and titanium alloy. The yield compressive strength is more in Titanium alloy means it will have less stress then less deformation will occur So, equivalent stress will decrease and this satisfy the result.

The yield strength is varying in all cases. If the yield compressive strength is higher than it has more capacity regain it\'s maximum deformation means overall deformation will be less.

The Max & Min Total Deformation is same in all Cases.

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