Analysis of fluid–solid coupling characteristics of tripod sliding universal coupling based on cavitation and thermal effects

Abstract

In this article, a fluid–solid coupling analysis of tripod sliding universal coupling and lubricating oil film was conducted by taking into consideration cavitation and thermal effects. The coupling of the sleeve and slip pin with the lubricant oil film under different pressure differences and frequencies was investigated. Moreover, the study results were compared with the results of fluid–solid coupling under the ideal condition of negligible cavitation and thermal effects. When considering these effects, the deformation and stress values of the sleeve and the slip pin gradually increase as the pressure difference and frequency increase. The deformation and stress values of the sleeve are reduced relative to the calculation results of fluid–solid coupling in ideal conditions. However, the values of the slip pin are increased. Furthermore, when considering the thermal effect, the deformation and stress differences for the sleeve and slip pin decrease as the pressure difference increases. The stress difference of the sleeve grows sharply, whereas the deformation difference of the slip pin increases only slightly as the frequency increases.