Virtual product development for an automotive universal joint

Constant velocity universal joints play a very important role in automotive drivelines. The traditional development method, based on a physical prototype and experimenting, is time consuming and costly. This test-based method does not easily identify rational design clues. Therefore, a virtual product development method, which is based on dynamics modeling and simulation, is necessary. Virtual prototyping for a universal joint has been developed using the simulation software package MSC.ADAMS. Dynamics simulation has been performed to predict and evaluate joint behaviors. This virtual product development method has been implemented by the WanXiang Group Co., which is one of the most famous Chinese automotive component manufacturers.