Load Sharing in Metallic and Non-Metallic Gears

Abstract

A review of work on tooth deformation and load sharing in non-metallic gears is presented. A finite element analysis employing the flexibility method for contacting bodies is used to model tooth deflections and contact patterns between meshing gears For metallic gears the change in contact ratio between the theoretical and running values is shown to be small. However, for low modulus, non-metallic gears the change in contact ratio is large and can give cause for concern. The benefits and disadvantages of this increase in operating contact ratio is stated. Finally, the possibility of characterizing the change in operating contact ratio in a non-dimensional form is discussed.