3D Finite Element Approach to Simulate the Contact Pressure between Two Deformable Cylinders. Application to a Spur Gear

Abstract

Knowing the stresses and pressures in the contact between two deformable solids is fundamental in order to optimize the strength and the lifetime of mechanical components such as bearings or gears. These constraints can be determined by the calculation (finite element method or Hertz theory) or by experimental methods such as photoelasticity. The objective of this study is to model and compute the stress field and contact pressure using 3D finite element software. The validation of obtained results is done by comparison with the classical results of the non linear Hertz theory between two deformable cylinders. An application to spur gears with a circle involute profile is done and also validate with the same Hertz theory.