Shaft design: A semi-analytical finite element approach

This work deals with the practical use of semi-analytical finite elements in the machine design. The case of mechanical shafts is considered. The most usual loading condition characterized by the presence of axial, torsional, bending, and shear loads can be modeled by over imposing an axi-symmetric, an axi-antisymmetric and a harmonic load, corresponding to the first three terms of the Fourier series expansion, if semi-analytical plane finite element is used. A practical case is presented and the advantages, with respect to the three-dimensional approach in terms of computational time and accuracy for stress and displacement evaluation, is put in evidence.