Mathematical modelling and computer simulations as an aid to gearbox diagnostics

The paper deals with mathematical modelling and computer simulation as a tool for aiding gearbox diagnostic inference. The results of computer simulations and results obtained by laboratory rigs and field practice are compared. For investigation by computer simulations different factors are taken into consideration. The factors are divided into four groups: design factors, production technology factors, operational factors and change of condition factors. Using computer simulation and taking these factors into account: design, production technology, operation and condition change factors lead to DPTOCC inferring diagnostic information of the gearing system condition. The model for a system with a one-stage gearbox with torsional vibration is presented here as also are models for systems with a one-stage gearbox where both torsional and lateral vibration are taken into consideration and a system with a two-stage gearbox. (C) 2001 Academic Press.