Modeling and dynamics simulation of spur gear system incorporating the effect of lubrication condition and input shaft crack

Abstract

PurposeThe paper is devoted to presenting a systematic investigation on the mechanical model and nonlinear dynamic characteristics of spur gear system with and without input shaft crack.Design/methodology/approachConsidering the backlash, load-distribution, time-varying meshing stiffness and sliding friction, the modelling of a 5DOF gear system is proposed. Likewise, stiffness and damping models under elastohydrodynamic lubrication are developed, and sliding friction between gear pair is also outlined. In particular, a cracked input shaft which affects the support stiffness is presented, and breathing crack in keyway is adopted. On this basis, the dynamic responses of a gear system with and without input shaft crack are examined using numerical method, and some classical response diagrams are given, illustrating the effect of the important parameters on the gear system.FindingsDynamic simulation demonstrates that there exist periodic, quasi-periodic and chaotic motions in the gear system, and rational speed of the gear pair has noteworthy effects on vibration characteristic. Besides, comparison between healthy and cracked condition of input shaft indicates that occurring of crack convert periodic motion to quasi-periodic or chaotic motion.Originality/valueThe results give an understanding of the operating conditions under which undesirable dynamic behavior occurs, and provide some useful information to design and diagnose such gear system with crack fault.