Study on TEHL flash temperature of helical gear pair considering profile modification

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) flash temperature of the helical gear pairs considering profile modification.Design/methodology/approachA flash temperature model of the helical gear pair considering the profile modification is proposed based on the TEHL and meshing theories. In doing so, the slicing, fast Fourier transform and chase-after methods are applied to accurately and rapidly obtain the flash temperature of the gear pair. Then, the effects of the modification, input torque and rotation speed on the flash temperature are studied.FindingsWith the increment of the tip relief amount, the flash temperature of the helical gear pair with the axial modification decreases first and then increases, and the meshing position of the maximum flash temperature moves toward the pitch point. Moreover, reducing the input torque or increasing the rotation speed can efficiently reduce the TEHL flash temperature.Originality/valueThis work is a valuable reference for the profile design and optimization of the helical gears to avoid the excessive flash temperature.