Analysis of Gear System Dynamics Based on Thermal Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Effects

Lubrication plays a crucial role in reducing gear surface damage and defects such as pitting, wear, and scuffing; therefore, analyzing the influence of lubrication is essential for preventing such failures in gear transmission systems. To this end, the dynamic properties of gear systems were examined, leading to the creation of a thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) model for the line contact of involute spur gears. This model utilizes a multigrid method to calculate the oil film pressure and thickness. Subsequently, models for meshing stiffness, normal oil film stiffness, and overall normal stiffness were developed using energy methods and lubrication theory. Ultimately, a dynamic model of the spur gear system that incorporated lubrication effects was developed to examine how different operating conditions affect dynamic transmission error, vibration velocity, and dynamic meshing force. The findings revealed that when considering the TEHL effect, the dynamic transmission error along the gear meshing line increases, while both the vibration velocity and dynamic meshing force exhibit a decrease. Furthermore, as speed and load intensify, the amplitudes of dynamic transmission error, vibration velocity, and dynamic meshing force also rise. Notably, an increase in the initial viscosity of the lubricating oil correlates with a decrease in the fluctuation of dynamic transmission error, while the variations in vibration velocity and dynamic meshing force remain relatively insignificant.