Vibration Characteristic Analysis and Optimization of the Propulsion Shaft in the Underwater Vehicle

The propulsion shaft is the main part of the underwater vehicle propulsion system, the vibration of the propulsion shaft has the great influence on the noise, stealth and performance of the underwater vehicle. It is necessary to analyze and optimize the vibration characteristic of the propulsion shaft in the underwater vehicle. This issue establishes the finite element model of the propulsion shaft system include the motor, shaft and the support. The vibration mode of the shaft is analyzed. To reduce the vibration, an optimization method to the propulsion shaft system is presented by using the rubber isolations. The parameters of the rubber isolations are selected in this paper. The harmonic response analysis of the propulsion shaft with the rubber isolations is conducted, and the characteristic frequencies of the rolling bearings of the propulsion shaft system are also considered. By using the rubber isolation on the shaft system, the vibration amplitudes reduced in the range of 75.4% to 89.7% at the different parts. This work can provide some guidance to the design of the propulsion shaft of the underwater vehicle.