Multibody dynamics of cross groove constant velocity ball joints for high performance racing applications

Accurate prediction of constant velocity joint transient contact loading and complex kinematics is necessary to improve joint design and prevent incurring failure from rolling contact fatigue. A detailed multibody dynamic model is presented for cross groove constant velocity joints used in high performance automotive racing applications, hitherto not reported in the open literature. The developed model includes detailed contact mechanics and friction models for all contacts made between the components. A novel semi-Hertzian contact model is adopted for the cage-race conjunction. Local contact kinematics is evaluated based on a methodology used in tribological analysis. The proposed model is validated against available computational models provided in literature for cross groove designs. Using the model, contact pressures occurring in the ball-race and ball-cage contacts are shown to reach levels as high as 4 and 5 GPa, respectively. The assumed value of friction coefficient is shown to have a strong influence on the predicted contact forces. Local contact motions are presented for the ball-race and ball-cage contacts, demonstrating complex motion which varies between pure rolling and pure sliding within a single cycle.