Structural Integrity of Torque Transmitting Articulating Joints

Torque transmission is a key driver in the design of a gas turbine engine. For example in the Rolls-Royce UltraFanTM engine an articulating spline joint between the low pressure shaft and the power gearbox is proposed. Ensuring the functionality and integrity of such a joint is the focus of this project.

One of the principal challenges is that splines that are misaligned or are radially deformed by point loads such as those from gear meshes are subject to alternating radial sliding during rotation of the shaft. This mechanism could cause tooth wear and eventually lead to fretting fatigue type failures or tooth loss due to gross wear. This study will enable design parameters and limiting criteria to be identified, as Design rules do not exist. This is aligned to Productive Nation-Prosperity Outcome by supporting Rolls-Royce through its product development.

This project falls within the EPSRC Engineering Research area.