Comparisons of Kinematical Analysis for the Universal-joint System by Using Finite Rotations and Quaternions

This paper deals with the comparison of analysis methodologies by applying both Euler angle and quaternion to observe the kinematical behavior of the universal joint system used as an automotive drive-shaft. At first, conventional approaches are applied to predict a kinematical behavior by introducing only Euler angles into the universal joint system, but turns out to be lack in consistency and reliability of the analysis. Then to overcome this deficiency in numerical analysis a different methodology is proposed by using quaternion in this system. Its corresponding advantage is discussed in terms of kinetic energy, rotational velocity and rotational displacement. The application of quaternions in the numerical experiment is shown to be a more useful and valid way of establishing the ideal analytical model of the universal joint system.