Using abrasive flow finishing process to reduce noise and vibrations of cylindrical and conical gears

Abstract

This paper reports on reduction of noise and vibrations of cylindrical and conical gears through simultaneous reduction in their microgeometry errors, functional parameters, and surface roughness by finishing them with abrasive flow finishing (AFF) process. Previously identified optimum values of AFF medium viscosity and finishing time were used during AFF of the chosen gears. Noise and vibrations characteristics of the unfinished gears and the AFF finished gears were studied by varying motor speed and applied load at four levels each. An indigenously developed test rig was used for spur and straight bevel gears whereas drivetrain diagnostic simulator was used for helical gears. Indigenously developed dual flank roll tester was used to evaluate functional parameters of the unfinished and the best finished gears by AFF process. It was found that AFF process simultaneously reduced microgeometry errors, functional parameters, maximum and average values of surface roughness of spur, helical, and straight bevel gears. It reduced noise and vibration by 5.2 dBA and 5.3 m/s2 for spur gears, by 3.4 dBA and 7.5 m/s2 for helical gears, and by 4.6 dBA and 4 m/s2 for straight bevel gears. This study proves that AFF is an easy-to-operate and effective process for reducing noise and vibrations of cylindrical and conical gears through simultaneous reduction in their microgeometry errors, functional parameters, and surface roughness values. Outcome of this work will be helpful for various manufactures and users of different types of gears. © IMechE 2022.