Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Failure Analysis of Reverse Shaft in the Transmission System of All-Terrain Vehicles

  • Case History---Peer-Reviewed
  • Published:
Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This paper presents a failure analysis of a reverse shaft in the transmission system of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The reverse shaft with splines fractured into two pieces during operation. Visual examination of the fractured surface clearly showed cracks initiated from the roots of spline teeth. To find out the cause of fracture of the shaft, a finite element analysis was carried out to predict the stress state of the shaft under steady loading and shock loading, respectively. The steady loading was produced under normal operation, while the shock loading could be generated by an abrupt change of operation such as start-up or sudden braking during working. Results of stress analysis reveal that the highest stressed area coincided with the fractured regions of the failed shaft. The maximum stress predicted under shock loading exceeded the yield strength and was believed to be the stimulant for crack initiation and propagation at this weak region. The failure analysis thus showed that the premature fatigue fracture of the shaft was caused by abnormal operation. Finally, some suggestions to enhance service durability of the transmission system of ATV are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Wulpi, D.: Failures of shafts. In: Failure Analysis and Prevention, vol. 11, 9th edn., Metals Handbook, pp. 459–482. American Society for Metals, Metals Park, OH (1986).

  2. Rice, R.C. (ed.): Fatigue Design Handbook-AE-10, Society of Automotive Engineers, Warrendale, PA (1988).

    Google Scholar 

  3. Xu, I.L., Yu, Z.W., Ding, H.X.: Failure analysis of a diesel engine gear-shaft. Eng. Fail. Anal. 13, 1351–1357 (2006).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Bhaumik, S.K., Rangaraju, R., Parameswara, M.A., Venkataswamy, M.A., Bhaskaran, T.A., Krishnan, R.V.: Fatigue failure of a hollow power transmission shaft. Eng. Fail. Anal. 9, 457–467 (2002).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Li, Y.J., Zhang, W.F., Tao, C.H.: Fracture analysis of a castellated shaft. Eng. Fail. Anal. 14, 573–578 (2007).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Nanawarea, G.K., Pableb, M.J.: Failures of rear axle shafts of 575 DI tractors. Eng. Fail. Anal. 10, 719–724 (2003).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Cleland, J.H.: Shear failure of a road-vehicle steering shaft. Eng. Fail. Anal. 4(1), 81–88 (1997).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Bonnett, A.H.: Root cause ac motor failure analysis with a focus on shaft failures. IEEE Trans Industry Application. 36(5), 1197–1209 (2000).

    Google Scholar 

  9. Shigley, J.E.: Mechanical Engineering Design. Matrix edn. McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  10. Dimarogonas, D.: Machine Design—A CAD Approach. John Wiley & Sons (2001).

  11. Web site: http://www.efunda.com/materials.

  12. Basquin, O.H.: The exponential law of endurance tests. Am. Soc. Test Mater. Proc. 625–630 (1910).

  13. Hertzberg, R.W.: Deformation and fracture mechanics of engineering materials. John Wiley & Sons, New York, 530–532 (1996).

    Google Scholar 

  14. Matlock, D.K., Alogab, K.A., Richards, M.D., Speer, J.G.: Surface processing to improve the fatigue resistance of advanced bar steels for automotive applications. Mater. Res. 8(4), 453–459 (2005).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Dieter, G.E.: Mechanical Metallurgy. SI Matrix edn. McGraw Hill Book Co., New York (1988).

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nanya Institute of Technology, 414, Sec. 3, Jung-Shan E. Rd., Chungli, 320, Taiwan, P.R. China

    Chun-Yuan Lin

  2. Department of Automation Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, 35, Lane.215, Sec. 1, Chung-Shan Rd., Taiping, 411, Taiwan, P.R. China

    Jui-Pin Hung

  3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yuan-Ze University, 135 Yuan-Tung Rd., Chungli, Taoyuan, Taiwan, P.R. China

    Tze-Chi Hsu

Authors
  1. Chun-Yuan Lin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jui-Pin Hung
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Tze-Chi Hsu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jui-Pin Hung.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lin, CY., Hung, JP. & Hsu, TC. Failure Analysis of Reverse Shaft in the Transmission System of All-Terrain Vehicles. J Fail. Anal. and Preven. 8, 75–80 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-007-9104-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-007-9104-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation