Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations and Experiments for Reduction of Oil Churning Loss and Windage Loss in Aeroengine Transmission Gears

The demand for power generation capacity has increased considerably due to the electric drive of cabin air conditioners and commercial aircraft engines. It is estimated that power losses may increase in the accessory gearbox due to generators and pumps that augment fuel consumption. To reduce these losses, a computational fluid dynamics simulation technique that analyzes oil churning and windage losses was developed and improvements were made to the shrouds of bevel gears, which have large losses in the gearbox. It was revealed experimentally that shrouding reduced losses up to 36% as compared to unshrouded gears.