Technical Paper
Torsional Strength for Induction Hardened Shafts Applied in Homocinetic Half Shafts
2004-11-16
2004-01-3231
The homocinetic half shaft is an automotive component whose function is to transmit torque from the engine to the wheels allowing its steering and the suspension system displacement. Besides the homocinetic joints, there is an interconnecting (IC) shaft which is the rigid element that links both of them. Whenever static torsion tests are realized with these half shafts, the IC shaft is a critical component that deserves a deeper approach. When a circular shaft is torsionally loaded, the shear stress is maximum at the component surface and zero at the center. So, these shafts are submitted to an induction hardening process that enables only this superficial case to have its properties changed, remaining the core with its material original characteristics. This paper aims to determine the static torsion strength for induction hardened shafts, and compare these results to experimental tests in order to confirm the approach.