Three-dimensional static meshing characteristic analysis and vibration reduction design of a double helical gear

Although axial free floating of the driving pinion can automatically balance the load of the left and right helical gear pairs, it causes its three-dimensional vibration. A new three-dimensional loaded tooth contact analysis (3-DLTCA) model of a double helical gear considering the pinion axial support stiffness is proposed in this paper. Firstly, according to the differential geometry and mechanical analysis, the 3-DLTCA model of a double helical gear is established. The model is based on the deformation coordination condition, force balance condition, non-embedding condition and axial force balance constraint. Secondly, to reduce the three-dimensional loaded transmission error (3-DLTE) and improve the load distribution, a multi-objective optimization mathematical model of a double helical gear is established. Finally, the effects of load, error, pinion axial support stiffness and tooth surface modification on the 3-DLTE of a double helical gear are investigated by employing numerical examples. The results indicate that the new 3-DLTCA model can accurately calculate the 3-DLTE of a double helical gear. By optimizing tooth surface modification and pinion axial support stiffness, the 3-DLTE of a double helical gear can be effectively reduced while considering the uniform load of the left and right tooth surfaces. Moreover, the optimization design method can effectively reduce the three-dimensional vibration of the double helical gear system.