Interference fitted assemblies: A failure analysis

This paper describes the details of failure analysis of interference fitted assemblies. The assemblies were tested for their strength and noise generated during failure was recorded using a computer aided data acquisition system. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis was carried out to analyse the failure sound of assemblies using MATLAB. The results reveal that assemblies with lower interference produced less sound than the assemblies with higher interference during failure. Hence, where interference fit plays a critical role in mechanical assemblies, it is safer to mount a sensing device close to the assembly to detect the failure of assemblies. When the noise generated is beyond the safe limit, corrective action must be taken to detect the failure and initiate remedial measures, so that the accidents due to failure of interference fitted assemblies are eliminated.