An approach to predicting tribotechnical indicators of friction pairs of transport machine differentials is presented, which allows taking into account various types and modes of friction due to uneven and reversible movement of contacting parts, in order to prevent critical failures of differentials associated with jamming (coupling) of friction surfaces. This approach is based on the use of modified RANS equation with corrections for surface roughness, Greenwood-Williamson model of contact interaction of rough surfaces, and the law of energy conservation under friction. An algorithm for calculating tribological conjunctions of differentials operating under conditions of unsteady friction using numerical methods is developed. The results of calculations of tribotechnical indicators according to the proposed approach are compared with the test results of the bridge differential of Rottne H14C logging harvester. As a result, it is found that the relative error in calculating the friction factor and the temperature of frictional heating does not exceed 20% and 8%, respectively. Recommendations are made on ensuring tribotechnical indicators and preventing coupling (jamming) of the driving couplings of differential gears, concerning the roughness parameters and the final method of machining the contacting surfaces, the operating time of the differential when the wheel slips, as well as the used structural materials and lubricants.
Bishutin et al. (Wed,) studied this question.