Exact Solution of Stresses of Tapered Interference Fit

Abstract

Tapered interference fits can avoid the influence of keyways on the parts strength and transfer large torques. In this paper, a model was developed to study the influence of the taper on the interference fit between a propeller hub and a shaft. Using the classic elastic plane stress theory, the exact solutions of the radial stresses, tangential stresses and radial displacements of the propeller hub and shaft are derived. Then the calculation method of the magnitude of the tapered interference fit was presented. Finally taking a screw propeller system as an example, the above solutions were calculated by using the numerical method. The results show that the taper plays a key role in the interference fit. Improving the stress distribution of the propeller hub is an effective approach to increase the connection strength. The present analytical solutions are expected to be useful in the structure design of tapered interference fits for propeller hubs and shafts.