Gear Geometry for Reduced and Robust Transmission Error and Gearbox Noise

Abstract

Gear geometry was optimized for decreased transmission error in order to reduce gearbox noise. Robustness with respect to gear deviations and varying torque was considered in order to find a gear geometry giving low noise in the appropriate torque interval despite deviations from the nominal geometry due to manufacturing tolerances. Static and dynamic transmission error as well as noise and housing vibration were measured using a gear test rig. The correlation between dynamic transmission error, housing vibration, and noise was investigated. In speed sweeps from 500 to 2500 rpm at constant torque, no correlation was found between dynamic transmission error and noise. Static transmission error seems to be the excitation of dynamic transmission error as well as housing vibration and noise, but different natural frequencies for different degrees of freedom of the dynamic system consisting of gears shafts, bearings, and housing lead to lack of correlation between dynamic transmission error and noise.QC 2010092