Journal of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture of Gazi University, cilt.39, sa.2, ss.665-677, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
In commercial vehicles, the driveshaft system, which is connected to the chassis with a part called the center bearing (has a rubber bushing), transmits the engine torque to the rear wheels. Kinematic issues in the cardan joint within driveshaft system can cause noise and vibration due to axial forces. However, modeling the center bearing is both challenging and critical due to the nonlinear nature of rubber. Researchers use iterative development methods to tune element coefficients and select appropriate types of elements for rubber compound modelling. In this study, an algorithm was developed in Python to save time and cost during model development, and it is validated using experimental data. This algorithm can accurately model the rubber compound in the center bearing and be applied to other rubber mounts. It can reduce necessary vehicle tests during design verification activities.