Measurement of Torque and Axial Force on Cardan Shaft

Abstract

Cardan shafts are commonly used when the drive and driven shafts are not coaxial but are still parallel. If the distance between the shaft changes, then the length compensation is moved under the influence of torque, and the resultant friction causes an axial force to be generated between the tooth flanks in the spline. This movement can be caused by the deformation of the frame or misalignment of shafts. The magnitude of this axial force is important for the design of other machine parts in terms of service life. This article deals with the measurement of torque and axial force on cardan shaft located on machine drive. This was done to verify the magnitude of the axial forces and torque at the run of the machine due to the fatigue fracture of the bolts at the cardan flange. Article describes the methodology of measurement, used equipment, and evaluation method. Measured values of the axial force are compared with theoretical calculations of axial force according to the manufacture of cardan shaft.