Stress analysis of interference fitted shaft–hub system under transient heat transfer conditions

In general the stress calculations in interference-fit designs are estimated by using conventional equations. In the event that the parts show an elastic–plastic behaviour the process becomes more complicated. In this study, the stress distribution in interference fitted shaft–hub assembly was investigated in relation to the ratio of contact length-shaft diameter using the finite element method. During heating and cooling the transient conduction heat transfer state was considered in which the boundary conditions of the system are continuously changed. In such interference fitted connections the occurrence of plastic deformation zone and its distribution was evaluated. It was shown that the current results will certainly help the designer in force in transferring assemblies such as shaft–hub fitting coupled with pulley and gear systems in terms of dimensional analysis, tolerance and controlling the cooling conditions.