An analytical method to determine the influence of shape deviation on load distribution and mesh stiffness for spur gears

A method for analysing the influence of profile errors upon load-sharing capabilities and mesh stiffness of spur gears is proposed. The analysis is based upon a static, two-dimensional finite element approach. The contacts between mating gear teeth are identified in the deformed state, and the nodal point density permits contact pressure distribution emulation for moderate to high load levels. In addition, artificial neural networks are employed for system identification in order to calculate load-sharing capabilities and mesh stiffness trends for low tooth load levels. The effect of tip relief on load-sharing properties is discussed. The contact force and the transmission error are simulated for two medium-quality spur gears where the profile and pitch errors are known. Experimental data validate the reliability of the approach. The contact ratio is shown to be highly load dependent due to profile and pitch errors. The discussion is focused upon the size of the area where the relation between torque and angular displacement is highly non-linear, i.e. load depending. Hence, the contact ratio is shown to be load depending due to geometrical errors, such as profile and pitch errors, in addition to material elasticity.