Small modulus gears modeling and tooth contact simulation based on measured point cloud

Abstract Based on the measured point cloud data, a modeling and tooth contact simulation method for modulus gears is proposed. This method utilizes the line laser technique and image processing to obtain the point cloud data of the tooth face and tooth profile of modulus gears. Target point cloud data are generated through a point cloud processing algorithm, enabling the establishment of a NURBS surface model for modulus gears that reflects the tooth face error. Subsequently, numerical simulations are conducted using the finite element method. The study shows that the difference in contact stress distribution between the error model and the ideal model in the meshing process, the tooth contact mode changes from line contact to face contact, and the stress concentration phenomenon occurs in the local area. The model established by this method can reflect the tooth face and tooth profile errors of small modulus gears, which is of guiding significance for the measurement of small modulus gears, the establishment of the error model, and the prediction of contact performance.