An iterative method for the solution of equilibrium position in the shaft-hole assembly based on spring contact model

Abstract The traditional finite element method has the advantages of strong versatility and high calculation accuracy. Thus it is widely applied in various numerical simulation problems. Although the traditional finite element method for solving the shaft-hole assembly problem can obtain better solution accuracy, the process of modeling and calculation take a long time and thus cannot meet the engineering application requirements when the equilibrium position after the assembly needs to be obtained quickly to guide the subsequent process. In this paper, an iterative method based on the spring contact model is proposed. Firstly, the actual form error of the shaft and hole is characterized by the Fourier series expansion method; Then, in the contact surface, we established a discrete spring contact model and obtained the equivalent stiffness of the coupling spring through the discrete solid model. The balance iterative calculation based on the form errors and contact deformation force can finally determine the equilibrium position after the assembly. Compared with the calculation results of the finite element model, the equilibrium position of the shaft-hole assembly can be quickly solved under the condition of sacrificing certain precision. From this aspect it can be estimated that this method has a good potential for engineering application.