An analysis of the bearing parameters on the multi-axis gear transmission system vibration

For the multi-axis gear transmission system (MAGTS), as the number of supporting bearings increases, the compound influences of the bearings’ parameters on the MAGTS vibrations could be complicated and urgently need to be revealed. Currently, the mathematical modeling methods based on the dynamic equations are widely used to solve the GTS vibrations. However, the dynamic equations become increasingly complex as the MAGTS components increase. This significantly escalates operational difficulties and reduces solving efficiency, making it challenging to support vibration characteristic analysis and structural optimization design for MAGTS. To address the deficiencies, a multibody dynamic modelling method of a MAGTS is proposed based on the Simpack platform. The bearing stiffness calculation method is utilized to furtherly consider the effects of the bearing clearances on the bearing stiffness. The comparison of simulation and experimental spectra shows a good agreement, and the dynamic modelling method is verified. Based on the proposed method, the compound effects of the bearing clearances and support positions can be efficiently studied. The results indicate that the bearing support position is more effective on the vibration control of the MSGTS than the bearing clearance, and the optimum design parameters of this MAGTS are suggested, and the priority of bearing parameters for gear components is determined. This study can guide the low-vibration design of the MAGTS.