Design Optimization of a Marine Propeller Shaft for Enhanced Fatigue Life: An Integrated Computational Approach

This study investigates the design and potential failure modes of a marine propeller shaft using computational and analytical methods. The aim is to assess the structural integrity of the existing design and propose modifications for improved reliability and service life. Analytical calculations bas...

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Main Authors: Víctor Tuninetti, Diego Martínez, Sunny Narayan, Brahim Menacer, Angelo Oñate
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/12/12/2227
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author Víctor Tuninetti
Diego Martínez
Sunny Narayan
Brahim Menacer
Angelo Oñate
author_facet Víctor Tuninetti
Diego Martínez
Sunny Narayan
Brahim Menacer
Angelo Oñate
author_sort Víctor Tuninetti
collection DOAJ
description This study investigates the design and potential failure modes of a marine propeller shaft using computational and analytical methods. The aim is to assess the structural integrity of the existing design and propose modifications for improved reliability and service life. Analytical calculations based on classification society rules determined acceptable shaft diameter ranges, considering torsional shear stress limits for SAE 1030 steel. A Campbell diagram analysis identified potential resonance issues at propeller blade excitation frequencies, leading to a recommended operating speed reduction for a safety margin. Support spacing was determined using both the Ship Vibration Design Guide and an empirical method, with the former yielding more conservative results. Finite element analysis, focusing on the keyway area, revealed stress concentrations approaching the material’s ultimate strength. A mesh sensitivity analysis ensured accurate stress predictions. A round-ended rectangular key geometry modification showed a significant stress reduction. Fatigue life analysis using the Goodman equation, incorporating various factors, predicted infinite life under different loading conditions, but varying safety factors highlighted the impact of these conditions. The FEA revealed that the original keyway design led to stress concentrations exceeding allowable limits, correlating with potential shaft failure. The proposed round-ended rectangular key geometry significantly reduced stress, mitigating the risk of fatigue crack initiation. This research contributes to the development of more reliable marine propulsion systems by demonstrating the efficacy of integrating analytical methods, finite element simulations, and fatigue life predictions in the design process.
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issn 2077-1312
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series Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
spelling doaj-art-b6cfeee8fac1447da10a3ec6c199ad352025-08-20T02:53:38ZengMDPI AGJournal of Marine Science and Engineering2077-13122024-12-011212222710.3390/jmse12122227Design Optimization of a Marine Propeller Shaft for Enhanced Fatigue Life: An Integrated Computational ApproachVíctor Tuninetti0Diego Martínez1Sunny Narayan2Brahim Menacer3Angelo Oñate4Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, ChileDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, ChileDepartment of Mechanics and Advanced Materials, Campus Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, Tecnológico, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo León, MexicoLaboratoire des Systèmes Complexe, Ecole Supérieure en Génie Electrique et Energétique, Chemin Vicinal 9, Oran 31000, AlgeriaDepartment of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de Concepcion, Edmundo Larenas 315, Concepcion 4070138, ChileThis study investigates the design and potential failure modes of a marine propeller shaft using computational and analytical methods. The aim is to assess the structural integrity of the existing design and propose modifications for improved reliability and service life. Analytical calculations based on classification society rules determined acceptable shaft diameter ranges, considering torsional shear stress limits for SAE 1030 steel. A Campbell diagram analysis identified potential resonance issues at propeller blade excitation frequencies, leading to a recommended operating speed reduction for a safety margin. Support spacing was determined using both the Ship Vibration Design Guide and an empirical method, with the former yielding more conservative results. Finite element analysis, focusing on the keyway area, revealed stress concentrations approaching the material’s ultimate strength. A mesh sensitivity analysis ensured accurate stress predictions. A round-ended rectangular key geometry modification showed a significant stress reduction. Fatigue life analysis using the Goodman equation, incorporating various factors, predicted infinite life under different loading conditions, but varying safety factors highlighted the impact of these conditions. The FEA revealed that the original keyway design led to stress concentrations exceeding allowable limits, correlating with potential shaft failure. The proposed round-ended rectangular key geometry significantly reduced stress, mitigating the risk of fatigue crack initiation. This research contributes to the development of more reliable marine propulsion systems by demonstrating the efficacy of integrating analytical methods, finite element simulations, and fatigue life predictions in the design process.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/12/12/2227marine propeller shaftfailure analysiskeyway designfatigue life analysisstrengthstress concentration
spellingShingle Víctor Tuninetti
Diego Martínez
Sunny Narayan
Brahim Menacer
Angelo Oñate
Design Optimization of a Marine Propeller Shaft for Enhanced Fatigue Life: An Integrated Computational Approach
Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
marine propeller shaft
failure analysis
keyway design
fatigue life analysis
strength
stress concentration
title Design Optimization of a Marine Propeller Shaft for Enhanced Fatigue Life: An Integrated Computational Approach
title_full Design Optimization of a Marine Propeller Shaft for Enhanced Fatigue Life: An Integrated Computational Approach
title_fullStr Design Optimization of a Marine Propeller Shaft for Enhanced Fatigue Life: An Integrated Computational Approach
title_full_unstemmed Design Optimization of a Marine Propeller Shaft for Enhanced Fatigue Life: An Integrated Computational Approach
title_short Design Optimization of a Marine Propeller Shaft for Enhanced Fatigue Life: An Integrated Computational Approach
title_sort design optimization of a marine propeller shaft for enhanced fatigue life an integrated computational approach
topic marine propeller shaft
failure analysis
keyway design
fatigue life analysis
strength
stress concentration
url https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/12/12/2227
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