Energy dissipation mechanism and experiment of particle dampers for gear transmission under centrifugal loads

Abstract

As a passive means of vibration reduction, particle damping is mainly applied to the horizontal or vertical steady field. However, it is seldom applied to centrifugal fields. Under high speed and heavy loading, the vibration of tooth surfaces of gear transmissions becomes more severe shortening gear service life and augmenting noise. Under centrifugal loading, the particle system exhibits different characteristics, for example, particles are extruded at the end farthest from the center. We investigated gears with drilled via holes filled with damping particles. Using the discrete-element method, we developed an energy dissipation model for the particle system accounting for friction and inelastic collisions. Energy dissipation and damping characteristics of this system were analyzed. Experiments were also conducted with the gear system having different particle filling rates. The results show that this filling rate is an important parameter associated with particle damping in a centrifugal field. An unsuitable filling rate would significantly reduce damping effectiveness. With changes in rotation speed and load, the gear transmission system has different optimal filling rates. The results provide guidelines for the application of particle damping in centrifugal fields of gear transmissions.