NON-LINEAR VIBRATION OF A TORSIONAL SYSTEM DRIVEN BY A HOOKEʹS JOINT

Non-linear vibration in a driveline which incorporates a Hookeʹs joint is presented in this paper. In particular, torsional vibration due to fluctuating angular velocity ratio across the joint is examined. Linearized equations are used for the prediction of critical speed ranges where parametric instabilities characterized by exponential build up of torsional response amplitudes occur. Predicted instabilities indicate the range of driveshaft speeds to be avoided during the design of a driveline which employs a Hookeʹs joint. Numerical simulations and bifurcation analysis performed on the full non-linear equations further demonstrate the existence of parametric, quasi-periodic and chaotic motion. Onset of chaotic motion was shown to be characterized by a quasi-periodic route.