Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 April 2013
Shrink fits are low-price connections which are widely used in industry and industrialconnections. In designing shrink fits it is important to consider radial interface foroptimized performance and also to choose an accurate method of fabrication and assembling.Parts which have to be assembled are usually exposed to thermo-mechanical loads. Mode andtime duration of heat transfer have a significant effect on required hydraulic force,stress time rate of creation in parts and joint ability to withstand against externalloads. Therefore, planning a set of appropriate thermal and structural procedures hassignificant role in reducing energy consumption, optimized performance and promoting thespeed of parts assembly. Despite of the fact, few researches have been done on shrink fitoperation and design, rather than dimensional design. In this study, shrink fits arestudied in two main processes: first heating and mounting process and then backing to theambient condition. A 3D coupled thermal and structural simulation based on FEM is done oneach process through well-known Solidworks Premium. To evaluate the accuracy, exactanalytical solution of two steel rings shrink fit is compared with the approach outcomes.Results of validated method are used for choosing the most optimum sub processes of shrinkfit fabrication.