Effect of Lubricant on the Stiffness and Damping Characteristics in a Single-Stage Gearbox: A Theoretical Analysis

Abstract

Gearbox is the most used mechanism to transmit the energy positively. Ignorance of any localized faults like crack, pitting, spalling, scuffing and wear could be responsible for the occurrence of any catastrophe. The odd operating conditions of a gearbox result in the initiation of the aforementioned faults. Such faults and operating conditions influence both noise and vibration levels. This article describes the role of lubricant in the gearbox. In this article, a theoretical model and a finite element method (FEM) have been presented to exhibit the characteristics of lubricant. The variation in the stiffness between the gears with and without lubricant has been evaluated using FEM. The results of simulation studies discussed and it has been found that the thickness of lubricant film affects both stress distribution and the mesh stiffness of the gear pair. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020.