Machine Design

Comprehensive guide to the principles and practices of designing mechanical components and systems.

Shaft Design

Shafts are rotating machine elements, usually circular in cross-section, used to transmit power and rotational motion. The design of a shaft is based on strength, rigidity, and critical speed:

d³ = (16/πτₐₗₗ) × √(M² + T²)

Where:

  • d = shaft diameter (m)
  • τₐₗₗ = allowable shear stress (Pa)
  • M = maximum bending moment (N·m)
  • T = maximum torque (N·m)

Gear Design

Gears are used to transmit motion and power between rotating shafts. Key parameters in gear design include:

Gear Ratio = N₂/N₁ = D₂/D₁

Module = D/N

Where:

  • N₁, N₂ = number of teeth on driving and driven gears
  • D₁, D₂ = pitch diameters of driving and driven gears (m)
  • Module = ratio of the pitch diameter to the number of teeth (m)

The Lewis equation is commonly used for calculating the bending stress in gear teeth:

σ = F/(b × m × Y)

Where:

  • σ = bending stress (Pa)
  • F = tangential force (N)
  • b = face width (m)
  • m = module (m)
  • Y = Lewis form factor (dimensionless)

Bearing Selection

Bearings are used to support rotating shafts and reduce friction. The basic rating life of a bearing is given by:

L₁₀ = (C/P)ᵏ × 10⁶ / (60 × n)

Where:

  • L₁₀ = basic rating life (hours)
  • C = dynamic load capacity (N)
  • P = equivalent dynamic bearing load (N)
  • k = exponent (3 for ball bearings, 10/3 for roller bearings)
  • n = rotational speed (rpm)

The equivalent dynamic bearing load is calculated as:

P = X × F_r + Y × F_a

Where:

  • F_r = radial load (N)
  • F_a = axial load (N)
  • X = radial load factor
  • Y = axial load factor