machine design, Vol.3(2011) No.3, ISSN 1821-1259 pp.

199-204

Research paper

TRIBOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE FUNCTIONAL DOMAIN

DETERMINATION OF THE CONICAL FIT ASSEMBLY
Adrian CREITARU1, * - Niculae GRIGORE2
1,2
PETROLEUM-GAS University of Ploiesti, Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, General Mechanics Department,
Ploiesti, Romania

Received (29.03.2011); Revised (15.06.2011); Accepted (26.09.2011)

Abstract: The conical fit assemblies have a great utility in mechanical engineering due to certain comparative
advantages over other kinds of dismountable assemblies. This type of fitting has a shaft-hub joint that allows high
torque transmission without any cross-section reduction and provides for an optimal joint centering condition. At the
same time, this kind of joint keeps a good torsion overload protection through the slipping of its parts, when exceeding
the torque load limit.
The paper analyzes the minimal and maximal taper angle determination – for specific frictional conditions that are
usually used – when the joint is insured against the self-locking (self-braking) phenomena and, by consequence, keeps
its functional efficiency.
The paper also examines the determination of the tribological condition of the tapered area in order to obtain the
optimal effects of the tightening and, same time, getting such acceptable torque values in working stage.

Key words: conical fit assembly, frictional coefficient, tapering, self-locking, force multiplier factor.

1. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS  The need of supplementary joint components for the

development or adjustment of the axial tightening
The conical fit assembly is a type of mechanical force;
demountable joint where both shaft-hub parts are used for  In most cases, the wearing out of the tapered surface
the transmission of the torque moment. This is possible by determines a continuous reduction of the torque
friction which is developed between the conical surfaces of bearing capacity of the joint.
the shaft and hub components, when axial tightening force
is applied [1], [3], [6], [7].
This type of assembly seems similar to keyed or splinted
joints from a functional point of view. The large
mechanical application is justified by certain advantages,
such as:
 It provides good centering between shaft and hub and
allows for tangential self-adjusting position between
parts;
 The shaft-hub cross sections are not diminished by
shape and implicitly reduce the stress concentrators
effect;
 The torque bearing capacity of the conical fit
assembly is maintained relatively higher;
 The torsion overload appearance induces the slipping
of its parts, that can be considered as a safety solution
against the structure damage;
 The conical fit assembly has higher functional safety
and reliability. Fig.1. The structural shape of the conical fit assembly
Figure 1 shows the detailed structural shape and functional and functional principles
principles of the assembly.
At the same time, this type of joints has a number of 2. BASIC SOLUTIONS FOR JOINT
disadvantages that should be mentioned: TIGHTENING ACTION
 The precision imposed for the joint components is
sometimes too high, which implies high technological An axial preload, Fa, which has to generate a normal
costs; pressure over the conical common shaft-hub surface, is
*Correspondence Author’s Address: PETROLEUM-GAS University of Ploiesti, Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering,
General Mechanics Department, Bucuresti Blvd., no. 39, Ploiesti 100680, Romania, adrian_creitaru@yahoo.com
 Adrian Creitaru, Niculae Grigore: Tribological Considerations Regarding the Functional Domain Determination of the Conical Fit Assembly;
Machine Design, Vol.3(2011) No.3, ISSN 1821-1259; pp. 199-204

needed for the assembly mounting. Its resultant force, Fn The Fn orthogonal resultant force of the uniformly
(fig. 1), allows for the torque moment transmission, Mt, distributed load on the tapered surface has to be
from one piece to the other [2], [5]. considered in the middle point of the conical generator.
The axial load pretension can be applied through various This point corresponds to dm (middle diameter of the
methods, depending on mount necessities. cone) and α/2 is its half-angle – the angle sized of cone
The simplest and most efficient way uses a threaded part; generatrix and joint axis.
this can be the shaft end, matched by a screwed nut (fig.
2., a), or a bolt and press disk (fig. 2., b) etc.
Another simple solution, but less safe in its operation, is
using a cotter joint system (fig. 2., c).
When the assembly must limit the axial load and also the
transmitted torque, the recommended solution is to use an
equalizer spring block (fig. 2., d).
Another structural variant can use a relief cam, which
brings a better velocity in coupling/decoupling work
operations fig. 2., e).
Choosing one of these mechanical systems depends on
functional necessities such as axial preload level, velocity,
complexity reduction etc.
The systems described above are shown in figure 2. Fig.3. The complete force system on the overall piece
when screwing up the nut

Considering the vector equation applied to equilibrium

force system on the overall part of joint (projections on
system axis):
1 α 1 α
Fa − 2 ⋅ ⋅ µ ⋅ Fn ⋅ cos − 2 ⋅ ⋅ Fn ⋅ sin = 0 (1)
2 2 2 2
The friction coefficient on the tapered active surface needs to
be considered:
µ = tgϕ , (2)
and the implicit sliding angle:
ϕ = arctgµ (2')
From equation (1) it follows:

Fig.2. Solutions for axial force preload ⎛ α α⎞

Fa = Fn ⋅ ⎜ sin + µ ⋅ cos ⎟ =
⎝ 2 2⎠
3. THE MINIMAL TAPERING ⎛α ⎞ (3)
DETERMINATION FOR THE CONTINOUS sin ⎜ + ϕ ⎟
⎛ α sin ϕ α⎞ 2
FUNCTIONNING OF THE JOINT Fn ⋅ ⎜⎜ sin + ⋅ cos ⎟⎟ = Fn ⋅ ⎝ ⎠
⎝ 2 cos ϕ 2 ⎠ cos ϕ
Te minimal tapering determination of the conical fit b. In the second case, when screwing off the nut, the
assembly consists in establishing the lower, where the shaft-hub extraction requires the unfixing axial load, Fa’
self-locking process of the shaft and hub pair appears. to be set up in the opposite sense, as illustrated in figure 4.
The self-locking (self-braking) process means the continuous The similar projecting force equation written for this case:
remaining contact for the shaft and hub pair of pieces,
even if the axial pressing is halted. 1 α 1 α
Fa' − 2 ⋅ ⋅ µ ⋅ Fn ⋅ cos + 2 ⋅ ⋅ Fn ⋅ sin = 0 , (4)
For this kind of joint, the self-locking process seems an 2 2 2 2
undesirable phenomenon, since it requires the axial
unlocking of the active parts when starting again the leads to:
tightening cycle. ⎛ α α⎞
In determining this functional condition, two cases have to Fa' = Fn ⋅ ⎜ µ ⋅ cos − sin ⎟ =
⎝ 2 2⎠
be considered:
⎛ sin ϕ α α⎞
a. When screwing up the nut; Fn ⋅ ⎜⎜ ⋅ cos − sin ⎟⎟ = (5)
b. When screwing off the nut. ⎝ cos ϕ 2 2⎠
α α
a. When screwing up the nut – to apply the (Fa) axial sin ϕ ⋅ cos − sin ⋅ cos ϕ
tightening load – the whole force system on the overall Fn ⋅ 2 2
part of the joint (hub) is presented in figure 3. cos ϕ

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Adrian Creitaru, Niculae Grigore: Tribological Considerations Regarding the Functional Domain Determination of the Conical Fit Assembly;
Machine Design, Vol.3(2011) No.3, ISSN 1821-1259; pp. 199-204

 The rough uniformity of both conical surfaces along

the tapered contact;
 Some errors of shape or position for both conical
pieces that can determine the contact pressure
modification (such as common conical angle, error of
straightness of each piece generatrix, out-of-
roundness, parallel misalignment etc.);
 The continuous modification of the roughness of both
tapered components by the permanent wear process;
 The roughness modification caused by the overload
slipping stage;
 Various environmental factors: accidental lubrication,
corrosion, admixture.
So, the determinate condition (6) seems to be quite formal
and sensed.
The design of the conical fit assembly needs to
Fig.4. The screwing off the nut operation with acknowledge the necessity or lack of necessity of the
the wide force system accomplishment of the self-locking condition.
In the affirmative case, a safety margin against self-
The final expression is: locking effect can be determined by using a safety
coefficient, which is:
Fn ⎛ α⎞
Fa' = ⋅ sin ⎜ ϕ − ⎟ (5')
cos ϕ ⎝ 2⎠ α ≥ k s ⋅ 2ϕ (6''')

If analyzing this form of (5') equation, it is easy to
observe the disappearance of the axial force Fa' ≤ 0 –
meaning that hub piece does not open by oneself when
screwing off the nut – getting this way the self-locking
stage.
This case, the screwing off the nut must be followed by an
opposite axial force appliance to the conical sense.
The upper mentioned condition Fa' ≤ 0 , applied (5') to
equation leads to:
α incertitude; on one hand, the choice of the frictional factor
ϕ− ≤0
2
or:
α ≥ 2ϕ ,
that can be considered as the concentrated form of the
self-locking pre-condition.
This can also be considered as the minimal tapering
condition for no self-breaking analyze.
4. THE SELF-LOCKING PRE-CONDITION
ANALYSIS
The inference of the self-locking condition must not be
treated in an absolute way.
For this reason we offer a nuanced answer to the question
whether “avoiding the self-locking stage for this kind of
joint is compulsory?”.
First of all, the self-locking process is quite complex,
sensitive and hard to check.
The self-locking is not a peremptorily process, appearing
when crossing the analytical limit:
α < 2ϕ
Some of the factors that could shift more or less this
inferred limit are:
In this case, the ks safety coefficient in use can practically
get values in common domain of [1.2…3], depending on
importance of this limitative restriction (of self-locking)
over the functionality of the joint.
The second perspective of this self-locking analysis
concerns the part of equation at the right, meaning the
frictional angle. Which are the minimal (µ) frictional
factor values to be considered so that the tapering level
surpasses it?
However, the answer to this question allows for
(6) can determine values in the range of µ = 0.1...0.3.
The higher values of the domain are recommended for
obtaining higher bearing capacities of the working torque.
On the other hand, the surface condition is more stable –
(6')
from the point of view of surface quality depreciation –
when finest roughness is usually done (µ=0.06...0.15). This
effect is more evident especially in the case of such high (or
very high) number of jointing cycles.
The related experimental observations of this subject led to
few laboratory researches [2].
In the case of tapered joint (and also for other similar kind of
tightening assemblies), a reduced contact sensitivity of the
joint by reducing the level of surface roughness was
observed.
The special case of rough shaft-hub surfaces is usually
characterized by an evident depreciation of its quality.
Sometimes, especially in case of high level of tightening,
superficial damages may occur: scratches, exfoliation or
gripping.
Therefore, when trying to obtain a wide range of results, a
large number of frictional coefficients needs to be
considered. If the values are in the range of µ =
0.06...0.24, there are involved the main technological
(6'') cases of machine cutting, usually applied for shaft or hub
components.
In determining the minimal angular limit (αmin) of the conical
part of the assembly, the analytical determination considered

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Machine Design, Vol.3(2011) No.3, ISSN 1821-1259; pp. 199-204

both the case of anti-self-locking condition (when ks safety Table 1 presents the minimal values of the angular
coefficient has the value ks =1) and the case of the value ks tapering, calculated for different values of the frictional
= 1.2 for the safety coefficient. coefficient.

Table 1. Minimal angle determined in self-locking condition

Frictional conditions
Frictional coefficient for the tapered surface of shaft-hub pair, µ

Tapering limit 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18 0.20 0.22 0.24
Minimal values of For
6.86 9.15 11.42 13.69 15.94 18.18 20.41 22.62 24.82 26.99
the tapering angle ks =1
of the joint, α, For
9.61 10.98 13.71 16.42 19.13 21.82 24.49 27.14 29.78 32.39
[grd] ks =1.2

Observing the self-locking condition should not be
restrictive. Certain conical fit joints can be designed and
carried out beyond this condition. Anyway, condition to
maintain the joint refers to the sense of applying the
unfixing force ( Fa' ). The gradual appliance of tightening
force (no pulse burst) is preferable because the self-
breaking effect could damage the active surfaces.
In any case, the periodical inspection of the tapered area
and, if necessary, it’s renewal, is recommended.
5. THE HIGHER TAPERING ANGLE
DETERMINATION FOR THE JOINT
As a rule, conicity or the higher limit of the tapering angle
of the joint, (α), must not be restricted by such structural
criteria. Functionally, this higher acceptable limit of
tapering can be found if operating (3) equation, well-known
in Machine elements literature [1], [2], [3], [5], [6], [7].
If it is considered as a characteristic function:
Fn = f (Fa ) ,
the equation can be expressed in the following restricted form:
Fa
Fn = = ka ⋅ Fa
α α
sin + µ ⋅ cos
2 2
Table 2. The ka factor determined by calculus
The ka factor – named axial force multiplication factor –
expresses the axial force conversion into surface normal
force, when tightening the joint.
Obviously, the functional efficiency of the conical fit
assembly is determined by the axial force multiplication
factor. Same time, ka factor is a complex function of α and
µ joint parameters.
The following step, which is the analysis of the
k a = f (α , µ ) function, will show the joint tightening
efficiency and, implicitly, the maximal conic angle
values. The leading hypotheses for this scanning are the
following:
 Different values of the friction factor need to be
considered, each one being characteristic of certain
frictional conditions;
 The conical angle (α) values are those that observe the
self-locking condition (α > 2arctg µ).
(7) The ka factor values determined are shown in table 2.
The graphical representation of this result is shown in figure
5. These diagrams provide a new image of the ka factor
variation, depending on conical angular values (α), on the
(8)
frictional domain to be considered for shaft-and-hub contact.
A few observations concerning this graphical representation
are needed:

ka The ka factor values, determined for different values of tapering, α,

For µ, α (in meaning of non-self-locking condition, α>2arctg µ)
For µ=0.06 α =7o α =12o α =17o α =22o α =27o α =32o α =37o α =42o α =47o
and α ≥6.87 o 8.27 6.09 4.83 4.00 3.43 3.00 2.67 2.41 2.20
For µ=0.09 - α =11o α =16o α =21o α =26o α =31o α =36o α =41o α =46o
and α ≥10.29 - 5.39 4.38 3.69 3.20 2.83 2.53 2.30 2.11
For µ=0.12 - α =14o α =19o α =24o α =29o α =34o α =39o α =44o α =49o
and α ≥13.69 o - 4.15 3.53 3.07 2.73 2.46 2.24 2.06 1.91
For µ=0.15 - - α =18o α =23o α =28o α =33o α =38o α =43o α =48o
and α ≥17.06 o - - 3.28 2.89 2.58 2.38 2.14 1.98 1.84
For µ=0.18 - - - α =21o α =26o α =31o α =36o α =41o α =46o
and α ≥20.41o - - - 2.78 2.50 2.19 2.08 1.93 1.80
For µ=0.21 - - - α =24o α =29o α =34o α =39o α =44o α =49o
and α ≥23.72o - - - 2.42 2.20 2.03 1.88 1.76 1.65
For µ=0.24 - - - - α =27o α =32o α =37o α =42o α =47o
and α ≥26.99o - - - - 2.14 1.97 1.84 1.72 1.62

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Adrian Creitaru, Niculae Grigore: Tribological Considerations Regarding the Functional Domain Determination of the Conical Fit Assembly;
Machine Design, Vol.3(2011) No.3, ISSN 1821-1259; pp. 199-204
 First, the ka factor domain seems to be large; the
values are ka = 1.6…8.3;
 The higher values of axial force multiplication factor (ka)
– which are the most efficient functional cases for the
connection – are connected with low angular values of
the tapering (α < 10o...15o, always in self-locking
condition) and also for fine surface roughness (meaning
µ = 0.06…0.12);
 The ka factor level considerably diminishes through
the expansion of the tapering angle; for α > 40-45o
values, the ka factor is within the range of [1.68…2.3],
meaning a low efficiency of the tightening force
transfer.
This means that to obtain the higher recommendable limit
of conical angle, the range of friction factors needs to be
laid out.
Fig.5. The ka factor diagrams got for different values of
tapering (α) and friction factor (µ)
When considering the soft frictional condition, the friction
factor µ goes in the 1st level domain (which means µ =
0.06...0.12 values).
If considering the hard frictional condition, the 2nd level
domain is applicable – meaning higher values for the
friction factor µ = 0.15…0.21(0.24).
The following recommendations can be made:
 For the 1st level domain of friction factor, (µ = 0.06…0.12),
maximal values of tapering angle can be
recommended at the standard of α = 33o...40o; this
limit of conicity allows a convenient level of axial
force multiplication factor: ka = 2.5;
 For the 2nd level domain of friction factor (µ = 0.15…0.24),
maximal values of tapering angle can be
recommended at the standard of α = 31o...42o; this
case of conicity allow lower level of axial force
multiplication factor: ka = 2.0;
 For the same 2nd level domain of friction factor – if a
higher level of axial force multiplication factor is
needed (about ka = 2.5) – the maximal conicity has to
be restricted to αmax= 20o...30o.
6. THE DETERMINATION OF THE TORQUE
MOMENT OF THE ASSEMBLY
The working torque of the conical fit assembly can be due
to the frictional contact of the shaft-and-hub pair of
pieces, when axial force preload is added for joint (fig. 1).
When the axial preload is accomplished, it determines a
distributed load over the whole common tapered area.
The resultant force here to consider, Fn, is which is normal
to the cone generator of shaft-and-hub, on its middle point
(Fig. 1). This force component determines the tangential
force result.
The following equation can be used to express the torque
moment [2], [5]:
dm
M f = µ ·Fn · = cs · M t (9)
2
 dm is the average diameter of the conical surface,
depending on the dimensions dmin, dmax and l;
 cs is the safety factor against the slipping torque
transmission;
 Mt is the level of torque moment to be transmitted by
the conical fit connection.
In common practice, if considering (8) equation, the
torque bearing capacity for the conical fit assembly can be
limited to the value of:
dm
M tc ≤ µ ⋅ ⋅ ka ⋅ Fa (9')
2cs
7. CONCLUSION
Based on the axial tightening force, the special analysis of
the conical fit assembly allows for the following
conclusions:
 The conical fit assembly has certain advantages and
can be used in many applications for axial load or
torque transmission, for joints such as shaft-and hub
couple;
 The axial load application systems can be varied
depending on the imposed structural and functional
characteristics; the preload application using the
thread is the simplest and most effective option;
 If the self-locking condition becomes a theoretical
target to determine, we must get the taper limitation,
as the lower threshold; several specifications are
needed:
- the self-locking condition is not a restrictive
functional condition if the joint has its own unlock
system;
- if avoiding the self-locking of the assembly is an
imposed restriction, the use of safety factors is
recommended; depending on the importance of the
compliance with this condition, the values of the
safety coefficient can be selected from the ks=1.2...3
interval;
- the minimal conic angle determination as a limit of
self-locking occurrence depends on the friction factor
of the shaft-and-hub coupling; as an example, it
acquires αmin= 6.86o value (if µ = 0.06 and ks = 1), or
αmin= 9.61o (if µ = 0.06 and ks =1.2);
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 Adrian Creitaru, Niculae Grigore: Tribological Considerations Regarding the Functional Domain Determination of the Conical Fit Assembly;
 When the upper limit of the conical angle has to be
determined, the values for the axial force
multiplication factor, ka must be first established these
values were found for different tapering of the joint,
and different friction coefficient levels:
- for the case of soft frictional conditions (µ =
0.06…0.12), keeping the axial force multiplication
factor, ka, at the level of ka = 2.5 always needs an
appropriate tapering angle below αmax= 33o...40o;
- for the case of hard frictional conditions
(µ=0.15…0.24), keeping the axial force
multiplication factor, ka, at the level of ka=2.0
always needs an appropriate tapering angle below
αmax=31o...42o;
- for the same frictional conditions, raising the
multiplication factor to value ka=2.5 is getting if
tapering angle keeps below αmax=20o...30o.
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Machine Design, Vol.3(2011) No.3, ISSN 1821-1259; pp. 199-204
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