On Dynamic Mesh Force Evaluation of Spiral Bevel Gears

The mesh model and mesh stiffness representation are the two main factors affecting the calculation method and the results of the dynamic mesh force. Comparative studies considering the two factors are performed to explore appropriate approaches to estimate the dynamic meshing load on each contacting tooth flank of spiral bevel gears. First, a tooth pair mesh model is proposed to better describe the mesh characteristics of individual tooth pairs in contact. The mesh parameters including the mesh vector, transmission error, and mesh stiffness are compared with those of the extensively applied single-point mesh model of a gear pair. Dynamic results from the proposed model indicate that it can reveal a more realistic and pronounced dynamic behavior of each engaged tooth pair. Second, dynamic mesh force calculations from three different approaches are compared to further investigate the effect of mesh stiffness representations. One method uses the mesh stiffness estimated by the commonly used average slope approach, the second method applies the mesh stiffness evaluated by the local slope approach, and the third approach utilizes a quasistatically defined interpolation function indexed by mesh deflection and mesh position.