An explicit finite element approach for simulations of transient meshing contact of gear pairs and the resulting wear

Abstract

A 3D time-domain modelling approach is developed with the explicit finite element method to simulate transient meshing contact of gear pairs and the resulting wear. Taking a helical gear pair used in a locomotive as an example, the dynamic contact states of gear teeth are predicted for different speeds in consideration of actual geometries (including those of damaged teeth), time dependent torques, and structural and continuum vibrations of the gear system. The friction between mating teeth is taken into account by a non-Newtonian EHL friction model. A tiny time step of 4.5 × 10−8 s determined by conditional stability of the explicit time integration ensures the capture of transient effects. Based on detailed contact solutions during meshing, the dynamic wear on teeth is further calculated using an Archard wear model to predict tooth profile evolvement. Taking initial involute profiles and a speed of 120 km/h, the model is first validated for dynamic contact solutions. More results show that structural vibrations and worn profiles influence the dynamic meshing contact significantly, tooth wear increases as lubrication fails, and tooth pitting's influence is localized. This approach provides key load boundaries for detailed studies on mating gears, and may be employed for studies on tooth damages and as a reference for lumped parameter dynamic models of gear pairs.