Efficiency and temperature of spur gears using spray lubrication compared to dip lubrication

Abstract

Increased machine efficiency is a requirement in today’s world and geared transmissions are no exception. A back-to-back gear test rig was used to compare dip lubrication with spray lubrication regarding gearbox efficiency, mesh efficiency, gear temperature and surface roughness. Gears lubricated at the inlet of the mesh show a lower measured temperature when compared to spray lubrication at the outlet of the mesh. Spray lubrication, when compared to dip lubrication, yields the same efficiency for both rotating directions at the tested speeds of 0.5 to 20 m/s. Spray lubrication shows a significantly higher total gearbox efficiency at higher speeds, higher measured tooth temperature and no measurable change in surface roughness.