Meshing force model of misaligned gear coupling and its influence on a rotor system

A meshing force model for misaligned gear couplings was derived, and a dynamic equation of the rotor system was established based on finite element analysis, while considering the influence of misaligned gear couplings. Influence rules for meshing force on a rotor-gear coupling system were studied using simulations based on the numerical integral method. Theoretical analysis and simulation results showed: Meshing force on gear couplings is related to structural parameters of the coupling, transfer torque, static misalignment, dynamic vibration displacement, etc; stiffness of the coupling, which is not a constant, relates to dynamic vibration displacement and depends on static misalignment. Dynamic behavior of rotor-gear coupling systems reveals that 1X-rotational speed is the main response of system when there is no misalignment, while 2X, 3X, 4X-rotational speeds appear with some misalignments; moreover, when misalignment increases, the amplitudes of all frequencies become larger, and the vibrations of the system get more complex. These research results can provide important criteria for trouble shooting rotor systems connected by gear couplings.