Bachelor Thesis

Chain drives are one of the most important forms of power transmission in mechanical systems. They are used in vehicles, machinery, and many other applications. Due to their discrete structure, chain drives exhibit complex vibration behavior caused by the so-called polygonal effect: even when the driving sprocket runs at constant speed, the chain speed fluctuates periodically. These fluctuations lead to vibrations that generate noise and increase wear.

The aim of this Bachelor thesis is to develop a fundamental understanding of chain drive dynamics. A simple analytical model will be created that captures the essential physical effects and investigates the influence of various parameters on vibration behavior.

Bachelor Thesis

Analytical Modeling of Kinematic Excitation and Dynamic Response in Chain Drives

Tasks

  • Conduct literature review on chain drive kinematics, the polygonal effect, and simplified dynamic models for vibration, tension and torque fluctuation.
  • Derive analytical kinematic equations to describe velocity and acceleration fluctuations caused by the polygonal effect.
  • Establish simplified analytical formulas for chain dynamic tension, roller-sprocket meshing forces, vibration amplitude and output torque ripple.
  • Investigate parametric influences of rotational speed and initial span tension on dynamic response.
  • Verify the derived analytical model through comparison with basic multibody simulation results in COMSOL Multiphysics.

Start  As of now

Software  Matlab, Comsol/SIMPACK

Requirements   

  • Solid foundation in mathematics and mechanics
  • Ability to work independently
  • Enjoyment of programming tasks and strong motivation to learn

Beneficial: Machine Dynamics I & II


Literatures:

[1] S. Hu, B. Guo, K. Deng, P. Xu: An Efficient Contact Analysis for Roller Chain. Advanced Materials Research 211-212: 290-294, 2011.

[2] M. Omar: Multibody Dynamics Formulation for Modeling and Simulation of Roller Chain Using Spatial Operator. 2016 International Conference on Mechanical, Manufacturing, Modeling and Mechatronics (IC4M 2016), 51, 2016.

[3] Y. Wang, D. Ji, K. Zhan: Modified sprocket tooth profile of roller chain drives. Mechanism and Machine Theory 70: 380-393, 2013.

[4] S. Pedersen: Simulation and Analysis of Roller Chain Drive Systems. Technical University of Denmark. DCAMM Report No. S 92, 2004