Thermal Analysis of Automobile Drive Axles by the Thermal Network Method

Abstract

Excessive temperature is detrimental to the operation stability of the automobile drive axle. It is necessary to judge whether the highest temperature exceeds the limited dangerous temperature and study the effects of key factors on reducing the temperature. In this study, the temperature field distribution (TFD) of the automobile drive axle is revealed using the thermal network method (TNM). Compared with the experimentation and finite element analysis (FEA), the TNM is more convenient for obtaining the temperature. Subsequently, the highest temperature of the automobile drive axle is clear and applied to judge whether the highest temperature exceeds the limited dangerous temperature. On the basis of the TNM, the structure and parameter effects of the automobile drive axle on reducing the temperature are studied, which improves the operation stability and working life. Several conclusions can be drawn. The highest temperatures of two-axle and planetary automobile drive axles are both located in the motor. Compared with the two-axle drive axle, the highest temperature of the planetary drive axle is obviously lower. Therefore, in terms of the planetary drive axle, the possibility of exceeding the limited dangerous temperature is lower. In addition, on the premise of ensuring the normal operation, the motor output power, the friction coefficient among teeth, the helical angle of the gear, and the thermal transfer coefficient of the lubricating oil can be optimized to be lower for reducing the temperature of the automobile drive axle.