Tribodynamic studies of textured gearsets lubricated with fresh and MoS2 blended greases

Abstract

The synergistic effects of surface texture and Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) blended grease have been explored on the tribodynamic performance of spur gearsets. A texture involving ellipsoidal dimples on the face and flank of pinions’ teeth was fabricated using nanosecond pulsed fiber laser. The experiments were performed at different applied torques and a pitch line velocity of 4 m/s keeping in mind the practical application of the results. Contact resistance, vibrations, temperature rise and surface topographies have been measured and analyzed. Substantial increase (about 300%) in contact resistance and reduction (40% approximately) in vibration amplitudes at gear mesh frequency were found in the presence of texture. Reduction in interfacial temperature rise and less damage to teeth surface were also observed.