International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 7 Issue 3, May-June 2023 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

A Review of Design and Material Optimization for

Bearing Housing using Finite Element Method
Ashish Nain, Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Ganga Singh
Mechanical Department, Jan Nayak Ch. Devi Lal Memorial College of Engineering, Sirsa, Haryana, India

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: Ashish Nain |

This research paper provides a review of the optimization of the mass Dr. Dinesh Kumar | Ganga Singh "A
of a bearing housing using the finite element method (FEM). In the Review of Design and Material
competitive world of automobiles, having a lightweight yet strong Optimization for Bearing Housing using
component is crucial for fuel efficiency and cost savings. This is Finite Element
Method" Published
especially important when it comes to designing components that in International
meet safety requirements. Failure in manufacturing, construction, Journal of Trend in
servicing, raw materials, or operating conditions can lead to Scientific Research
problems. One common issue is the continuous fatigue failure of the and Development
center bearing bracket, which can eventually cause the propeller shaft (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456- IJTSRD58590
to fail and lead to transmission failure. To address this problem, 6470, Volume-7 |
computer-aided CAD design software is used to improve the bracket Issue-3, June 2023, pp.1198-1201, URL:
material without compromising its performance. Through the use of www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd58590.pdf
CATIA V5 software and finite element method (FEM) analysis with Copyright © 2023 by author (s) and
ANSYS software, the CAD model of the bearing bracket is International Journal of Trend in
thoroughly examined. The objective of this research is to find a Scientific Research and Development
technique that reduces the weight of the bearing bracket material Journal. This is an
using software while ensuring it remains strong and functions Open Access article
properly. By employing these tools and methods, we can achieve a distributed under the
lightweight yet reliable solution for automotive applications. Overall, terms of the Creative Commons
this study focuses on using software to design a lighter bearing Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)
bracket without compromising its strength and functionality, aiming (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
to improve fuel efficiency and reduce costs in the automotive KEYWORDS: Bearing housing,
industry. CAD software, FEA analysis, ANSYS
software

INTRODUCTION
The Bracket: A Supporting Element for Overhanging mounted on the center of the chassis using nuts and
Objects. A bearing housing is also known as bearing bolts, positioning the entire mount [1].
bracket. A bracket is an important component used to
Center Bearing Bracket: Supporting the Propeller
support overhanging objects. It comes in different
Shaft Ball Bearing. The center bearing bracket is
sizes and shapes depending on its application,
fixed to the chassis to support the ball bearing of the
particularly in auto brackets. One crucial role of a
propeller shaft. To withstand the stressful working
rotating assembly is the transmission of torque in a
conditions, a rubber bed is placed between the ball
propeller shaft. This torque is passed from the
bearing and the center bracket. This rubber bed helps
transmission gearbox to the axle differential gearbox
reduce the shock loads on the center brackets. The
through the propeller shaft. The propeller shaft
highly elastic rubber bed is used to absorb sudden
constantly changes the relative angles between its
loads, and due to its elastic properties, the bracket
axis and the transmission. It provides flexibility in
returns to its original state. However, the rubber bed
length during torque transmission. The universal joint
may not completely cushion the severity of abused
allows the shaft to work at different angles, and
loads, resulting in over stresses on the center joint
sliding joints enable the axle to expand and contract.
bracket [7].
Carrier or center loads support long propeller shafts to
ensure smooth power supply to the axle. The center Finite Element Method (FEM): Solving
bearing contains rubber and bearing housings to Engineering Problems. The Finite Element Method
support the ball bearing. The center bracket is (FEM) is a mathematical procedure used to solve

@ IJTSRD | Unique Paper ID – IJTSRD58590 | Volume – 7 | Issue – 3 | May-June 2023 Page 1198
 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
engineering and technical problems. It helps address CATIA V5R20 were used for the analysis, and new
issues related to pressure fields, heat transfer, fluid rollers were manufactured and tested using UTM to
flow, and mass exchange in various situations. This validate the results. [13]
method is suitable for solving physical problems Vijayvergiya, Anurag (2021): The connecting rod of
involving complex geometries, loadings, and material an internal combustion engine plays a crucial role in
properties that cannot be solved using conventional converting motion from the piston to the crankshaft.
methods. In FEM, the space where the analysis is The study focused on analyzing the effects of force
conducted is divided into smaller bodies or units on different connecting rod shapes. Various models of
called Finite Elements. connecting rods with different cross-sections (I
Properties of each type of Finite Element are section, H section, and rectangular section) were
obtained, combined, and solved as a whole to find a created. Static structural loads and buckling loads
solution. Problems are categorized into structural and were analyzed using the finite element method and
non-structural issues based on their application. In ANSYS software. [14]
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or other numerical Reddy et al. (2020) focused on the engine flywheel.
analyses, the development of structures relies solely They examined various speeds and performed
on available calculations. For complex structures, analyses to achieve optimal results. A 2D drawing
simplifying assumptions are necessary to perform was created, and a parametric model of the flywheel
calculations, which can lead to conservative and valid was designed using CATIA, a 3D modeling software.
designs. However, there may be uncertainties The analysis software Ansys was used to verify the
regarding whether the structure will be suitable for all power of the flywheel. Additionally, the researchers
design loads. In structural problems, displacements at compared the results obtained from analyzing the
each nodal point are obtained, and using these flywheel using two different materials: Cast Iron and
displacement solutions, stresses in each element are Aluminum Alloy. [10]
determined.
Nitin et al. (2019) conducted a study on the Finite
In non-structural problems, properties such as Element Analysis of an engine mount bracket. The
temperature or fluid behavior at each nodal point are objective was to evaluate its maximum deformation
obtained. Heat transfer and fluid flow components and equivalent stress. The engine bracket plays a
can be evaluated based on these nodal values. crucial role in absorbing excessive vibrations from
However, performing large calculations using FEM go-kart engines. However, it may fail under various
requires high-speed computational facilities with forces. The researchers considered the load of the
significant memory. The terms "Finite Element engine while designing the fixed bracket. Vibration
Method" and "Finite Element Analysis" are often and loading on the engine brackets have always been
used interchangeably, with FEA being more popular a concern, as they can lead to structural failure under
in industries and FEM being preferred at universities high and excessive vibrations and pressures. This
[9]. study highlights the need for in-depth research to
Literature Review: The world of Finite Element understand the structural features and dynamic
Analysis (FEA) is filled with a wealth of information behavior of engine brackets, particularly in go-karts.
and research. In this literature review, we will delve The focus lies on design optimization and FEA
into significant advancements and developments in analysis to determine the structural properties and
FEA implementation. material changes necessary for weight optimization.
[11]
Dong, Yanhao (2022): The tension machine frame
was created using Solidworks software and improved Adkine et al. (2016) conducted a literature review on
using ANSYS Workbench's optimization feature. The the analysis of engine support brackets. Their work
improved design scheme resulted in lower stress and involved a thorough examination of existing studies
weight reduction of 7.11%, satisfying the strength on these brackets. They explored the design and
requirements. This will reduce design costs and bring analysis of engine support structures and investigated
significant economic benefits. [12] whether the current natural frequency of the engine
brackets could be reduced. The study concluded that
Nangare, Vikram Ashok (2022): The current
the Engine Support Frame plays a significant role in
conveyor system had issues with sagging in the roller
reducing noise, vibration, and hardness (NVH) in car
support. To address this, the roller, a crucial
engine systems, thereby increasing comfort. This
component of the system, was optimized. Geometric
reduction in NVH features is achieved through shape
modeling, finite element analysis, and design
and mass optimization. [3]
optimization were conducted. ANSYS 14.5 and

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
In 2015, Kala et al. worked on the design and Key Assumptions in FEA
improvement of the V6 Engine Mount Bracket. Their There are several assumptions that affect the quality
project introduced FEA into engine bracket analysis. of the solution and must be considered in Finite
They used CAD software to model the engine Element Analysis. These assumptions are not
brackets and performed Finite Element (FE) analysis universal, but they cover a wide range of applicable
on a typical bus engine. The researchers concluded scenarios in the problem. It is important to note that
that the V6 Engine Mounting Bracket made of not all the following assumptions apply to every
Aluminum alloy had a natural frequency of 1181.5 situation, and only those assumptions relevant to the
Hz. The use of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) analysis are considered.
tools simplifies the design cycle, allowing for early
1. Assumptions Related to Geometry:
problem detection and reducing the need for physical
Displacement values are small, allowing for a
prototypes. This ultimately saves time and cost,
valid linear solution.
thanks to simulation techniques. [8]
Stress behavior outside the region of interest is
In conclusion, these literature reviews shed light on not significant, so simplifications in those areas
the advancements and applications of Finite Element do not affect the results.
Analysis in various aspects of engine design and
optimization. Through the use of advanced software Only internal fillets in the region of interest are
and simulation tools, engineers are able to achieve included in the analysis.
greater efficiency, cost savings, and improved Local behavior at corners, joints, and intersections
performance in their designs. of geometries is of primary interest, so no special
modeling of these areas is required.
Optimization Methodology
The optimization methodology in Finite Element External decorative features are assumed to be
Analysis (FEA) consists of three main steps. These insignificant for the stiffness and performance of
steps are explained below: the part and are excluded from the model.
1. Pre-Processing: In the pre-processing stage, the The variation in mass due to suppressed features
output data from previous steps is processed to be is negligible.
used as input for the next step. ANSYS 12, a pre-
2. Assumptions Related to Material Properties:
processor software, is used for this purpose. The
Material properties remain in the linear region,
input data is processed to generate data files
and nonlinear behavior of the material is not
automatically with the help of users. These data
considered. Exceeding the yield point or
files will be utilized in the subsequent part of the
excessive displacement can lead to component
analysis.
failure.
2. Analysis/Solution: The solution arrangement Material properties are not affected by the loading
stage is fully automated. The FEA software rate. The analysis assumes room temperature,
creates the component structures, calculates nodal unless specified otherwise.
values and derivatives, and stores the output data
in files. These files are then used by the next The effects of relative humidity or water
stage, known as the post-processor, to evaluate absorption on the material are ignored.
and analyze the results through graphical displays No compensation is made for the effect of
and tabulated listings. chemicals, acids, wear, or other factors that may
impact long-term structural integrity.
3. Post Processing: The output from the solution
stage is in numerical form and consists of nodal 3. Assumptions Related to Boundary Conditions:
measurements of the field variable and its Displacements are small, ensuring that the
derivatives. For example, in structural analysis, magnitude, direction, and distribution of the load
the output includes nodal displacement and stress remain constant throughout the deformation
in the elements. The post-processor processes the process.
output data and presents them in graphical form Frictional losses in the system are considered
for result verification or analysis. The graphical negligible.
output provides detailed information about the
All connecting components are assumed to be
desired result data. The post-processing stage is
rigid. The analyzed structure is considered a
automated and generates the graphical output in
separate part from the rest of the system, so any
the format specified by the user. Result viewer
reactions or inputs from adjacent features are
and plot result tools are used for post-processing
disregarded.
in this analysis.

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
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