Spur Gear Lubrication Analysis with Dynamic Loads

A thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication line contact model, which could handle ultra-thin-film conditions, was developed to study effects of speed on the lubrication performance of a spur gear pair. Dynamic loads were calculated using a classic mass-spring model. They effect of speed on lubrication performance was studied comprehensively through its direct influence on lubrication and indirect influence by affecting dynamic loads of the gear pair. The effect of dynamic loads on film thickness, pressure distribution, and temperature field were studied. It was concluded that a comprehensive model combining a lubricated contact analysis and a dynamic analysis for a gear system is required for a reasonable performance evaluation.