Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Journal

Open Access | Peer-Reviewed

FRICTION UNWOUND: A COMPREHENSIVE EXPLORATION OF EHL WITH POINT CONTACT IN HELICAL GEARS

Xin Wei Wang

Abstract

<p>Gears, as fundamental components of mechanical transmission systems, play an integral role in various machinery applications. Among the plethora of gear types, helical gears stand out for their remarkable attributes such as high bearing capacity, minimal axial load, and smooth transmission. These qualities make them ideal for high-speed and heavy-load operations, positioning them as vital drive components in aero-engines, crane structures, and marine power transmission systems. As gear drives advance towards higher speeds, heavier loads, and greater precision, there is a growing emphasis on enhancing lubrication performance and mitigating friction and wear on tooth surfaces. In theory, the elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) of helical gear drives occurs as an on-line contact phenomenon, disregarding processing errors, installation inaccuracies, and gear modifications. However, real-world industrial production often necessitates the modification of helical gears to evenly distribute lateral loads across the tooth surface, diminish offset loads, reduce rodent impacts, and ultimately mitigate vibration and noise. When dealing with modified helical gears, the conventional linear contact EHL model becomes inapplicable. Consequently, there is an essential need to delve into the realm of Point Contact Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication (PC-EHL) in the context of helical gears</p>

Download Full Text