The objectives of this paper are to develop a finite element analysis model to analyze press-fitted and bending load conditions in a press-fitted assembly, and propose a hub shape optimization method to minimize contact pressure near the shaft contact edge. Numerical asymmetric-axisymmetric finite element models have been developed to predict contact stress on press-fitted shafts. The global optimization method, genetic algorithm, local optimization method, and sequential quadratic programming were applied to a press-fitted assembly to optimize the hub contact edge geometry. The results showed that the maximum contact pressure with the optimized hub shape decreased more than 60 % compared to conventional hubs and the maximum contact stress affecting fatigue life was reduced about 47 %. Hub shape optimization can be useful to increase the load capability of press fits in terms of wear and fatigue behavior.
