Using multi-flexible body dynamic analysis and the Taguchi method to decrease the variation of output angular velocity in a double circular-arc harmonic gear drive

Abstract

The performance of a double circular-arc tooth harmonic gear drive, which offers advantages over traditional designs, such as lower stress during contact and increased fatigue life, was investigated in this research. The gear drive’s meshing was simulated using dynamic analysis software RecurDyn, and a significant variation in output angular velocity was observed. To address this issue, experiments were planned using the Taguchi method with the L9(34) orthogonal table. The data was analyzed using techniques such as average value calculation, signal-to-noise ratio calculation, variance analysis, and response chart analysis to identify the control factors with the greatest impact on output angular velocity variation. It was found that an improved design with lower output angular velocity variation could be obtained by adjusting these control factors to optimal levels. The findings suggest that the transmission quality of double circular-arc harmonic gear drives can be enhanced by combining multi-flexible body dynamic analysis with the Taguchi method.