An improved analytical model for gear mesh stiffness calculation

Abstract

Time-varying mesh stiffness is considered the primary excitation in gear vibrations. An accurate evaluation of mesh stiffness is of great importance when studying gear vibrations. Based on contact mechanics and gear engagement principle, we propose an improved analytical model to determine gear mesh stiffness. Gears with addendum modification and varying-load conditions are considered in the presented model. It is shown that the gear mesh stiffness is load-dependent, and the contribution of each component to the gear mesh stiffness is discussed. Experimental investigations based on strain gauges are presented to measure the mesh stiffness of an internal spur gear under different loading torques. In addition, existing methods are compared and discussed with the presented model. The results indicate that the proposed model can calculate time-varying mesh stiffness accurately under non-stationary conditions.