Desarrollo de una aplicación mediante Python para el diseño de árboles de transmisión

Abstract

The design of transmission shafts is a recurring task for mechanical designers. It can become slow and complicated due to its iterative nature at each stage. This poses a problem in industrial settings, as this time could be allocated to other activities. Therefore, this work aimed to develop an application using the Python programming language for designing fatigue-loaded transmission shafts, considering criteria such as mechanical strength, stiffness verification, and resonance. The waterfall model of the software development life cycle was employed, allowing for the establishment of product requirements, design, implementation, and verification. In the design stage, both the software architecture and mathematical models were addressed. This included force calculations, the finite element method (FEM), its combination with the beam's elastic equation, and critical speed modeling, among others. The implementation was carried out using the Sublime Text 3 text editor and Python programming language. Finally, the verification and validation of the models were performed based on the ASME V&V 10 standard. The confirmation showed a maximum error of 9.06% for deflections, 2.76%, and 1.37% for the Rayleigh-Ritz and Dunkerley critical speeds, respectively. The verification of the calculations demonstrated the convergence of the solutions for discretizations of 4, 8, and 16 elements. On the other hand, the validation indicated an error of 14.0052% between the computational solution and the experimental measurement. In conclusion, an application named "SHAFIB" was developed using Python programming. It is specialized in the design of fatigue-loaded transmission shafts and is capable of addressing design considerations related to mechanical strength, stiffness verification, and resonance. The application has been thoroughly verified and validated.