Explicit parametric method for optimal spur gear tooth profile definition

Abstract

The gear tooth profile has an immense effect on the main operating parameters of gear pairs (load capacity, working life, efficiency, vibrations, etc). In current engineering research and practice, there is a strong need to develop methods for tooth profile optimization. In this paper a new method for selecting the optimal tooth profile parameters of spur gears is described. This method has been named the Explicit Parametric Method (EPM). The addendum modification coefficient, radius of root curvature, and pressure angle of the basic rack for cylindrical gears, have been identified as the main tooth profile parameters of spur gears. Therefore, the EPM selects the optimal values for these three tooth profile parameters. Special attention has been paid to develop a method of adjustment for the particular working conditions and explicit optimization requirements. The EPM for optimal tooth profile parameters of gears uses contact nonlinear Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for calculation of deformations and stresses of gear pairs, in addition to explicit comparative diagrams for optimal tooth profile parameter selection.