Prediction of Sealing Performance of V-Coupling of Turbocharger Housing Using Analytical and Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

This study uses analytical and finite element methods to predict the sealing performance by calculating the contact pressures on the back plate of a turbocharger. A mathematical model is constructed to derive the contact force on the back plate by considering the force-transfer mechanisms. Finite element analyses are performed to calculate the contact pressures caused by applying the bolt preload in the coupling system. The analytical results are consistent with those of the finite element analysis; hence, the analytical model could be helpful in determining the effects of design parameters in the early design stage of the coupling. In addition, the pressure distributions on the back plate are predicted to identify the sealing performance of the coupling.