Engineering Product Modeling: Parametric Design of 4x4 Drive Shaft

This project details the parametric modeling of a 4x4 drive shaft for an automobile using Siemens NX. The student explores the advantages of parametric CAD modeling, emphasizing its efficiency in product design and development. The project's aims include creating a parameterized drive shaft and analyzing the impact of friction on the rear axle and wheels. The design process involves modeling the drive shaft's major components (center yoke, flange yoke, tube, splined sleeve, and dust cap) and considering different shaft configurations, including one-piece and two-piece designs with slip features. The project also discusses compatibility factors like axle diameter, shaft length, and material selection (mild steel), and provides examples of vehicles that can accommodate the designed shafts. The conclusion highlights the effectiveness of parametric CAD in generating accurate models, facilitating analysis through software like Ansys, and streamlining the design process. The project emphasizes the use of parametric modeling to reduce design time and enhance the analysis of operational parameters, such as stress and torque, leading to more efficient and reliable drive shaft designs. The project references various research papers and patents related to drive shaft design, differential mechanisms, and vehicle power distribution.