Mechanism investigation on gear vibration-cavitation caused by tooth-pair lubricated contact

Abstract

Elastohydrodynamic contact of gears under the influence of vibration induces cavitation and jet impact. To predict the evolution of cavitation and the degree of cavitation erosion in the gear contact region, the multi-phase flow cavitation model and gear dynamic model are coupled for simulating the cavitation effect in the gear lubrication region and the jet stresses at the tooth boundary under different load torques and rotational speeds. Moreover, the proposed model is confirmed to be valid through comparing to experimental results. The cavitation and jet impact intensity increase and mainly distribute at the outlet of tooth contact under high speed. Load torque mainly affects the cavitation oscillation, but there exists an expectation value that makes both the amplitude and intensity of the cavitation fluctuation and erosion low.