Nonlinear analysis of cylindrical gear dynamics under varying tooth breakage

Abstract

Linear and nonlinear analyses served to detect the degree of tooth damage in a cylindrical gear. The gear in question is widely used in industrial applications and is often subject to gear tooth damage. Multiple-sourced vibrations affecting the test stand may distort or conceal the vibration components responsible for tooth failure. Given its construction, the test stand offers low stiffness, and additional control and measurement equipment further contribute to overall vibrations. Therefore, the vibration signal is likely to contain various disturbances, which further hinder correct diagnosis. Basic vibroacoustic signal analysis methods, which were employed at a preliminary stage, failed to produce unambiguous and satisfactory results. Hence, nonlinear recurrence analysis of gear operation dynamics was applied. It is assumed that the occurrence of damage to the gear will impede the regularity of drive transmission. The adopted research method addresses the limitations of a two-state diagnosis of gear condition (no damage/damage) by allowing the extent of gear tooth damage to be specified.