Design and evaluation of spur gear pairs with improved bearing capacity and lubrication performance.

The tooth form is the most influential factor on the bearing capacity and operation performance of a gear drive. Tooth profiles of spur gears can be designed based on control of relative curvature of conjugate profiles, but how to conceive appropriate control strategies and appraise gear pairs accurately needs to be investigated in depth. This paper presents the control strategies through analysis of the effect mechanisms of relative curvature on the bearing capacity and lubrication performance. Evaluation approaches of the gear pairs are then proposed by establishing the analytical models (AMs). In case studies, gear pairs with optimal comprehensive performance are designed through five control strategies. The AMs for contact and bending capacity are validated with the finite element models. The effects of the control strategies are discussed through comparative analysis. Results reveal that the control strategies lead to remarkable enhancement of bearing capacity and lubrication performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]