Analysis of Stress and Deformation in Plastic Gears Used in Gerotor Pumps

Abstract

The mechanism of induction of stresses and deformations in plastic cycloidal gears used in gerotor pumps has been analysed using the finite element method and the ABAQUS program. It has been found that the gear system remains under the influence of the mechanical load resulting from the torque on the pump shaft and the hydraulic load resulting from the activity of pressure in the intertooth displacement chambers. It has also been discovered that the intertooth forces and stresses are formed only in the part of the gear that can be referred to as ‘active’. In the other part of the gear, forces and stresses do not occur, and the part can be referred to as ‘passive’. Another finding of the research is that gear deformations occur such that the teeth of the external gear are deformed and moved in the direction of the active part of the mesh, and the teeth of the internal gear in the direction of the passive part. Thus, radial and axial intertooth clearances are formed, which result in internal leakages in the pump, as well as in lower working pressure and efficiency of the machine. A way of determining the load range for plastic gears used in gerotor pumps has been specified. It has also been observed that the loading of the pump should not result in reduced stresses