Optimization of spur gear systems by tooth profile and face width modifications

This dissertation is a study of the dynamic behavior of spur gear systems. In this analysis, the maximum dynamic load at a given speed and a range of speeds is reduced. The reduction in magnitude of the maximum dynamic load will result in lower stress levels within a gear system. Thus, the performance and in life of the system will improve.;The microcomputer versions of these codes include interactive pre- and post-processing modules. The third code, which is the basis for this dissertation, is a two-inertia dynamic analysis module. This code has been developed to optimize spur gear systems by means of tooth profile and face width modifications.;Currently, no computer program exists which can optimize the performance of spur gear systems. The existing mainframe codes will minimize the dynamic loads only for an amount and length of profile modifications specified by the user. Also, the existing mainframe programs will minimize dynamic loads only for the profile portion of a gear tooth. Thus, study of the effect of face width modifications on the dynamic loads is a major contribution of this dissertation.;The results of the two inertia dynamic program show that the profile modification reduces dynamic loads. However, the combined effect of profile modification in conjunction with face width modification is much greater than the effect of profile modification by itself in reducing the dynamic loads. Therefore, an optimal level of the dynamic loads at different speeds is best achieved when both profile and face width modifications are used.;Three different microcomputer programs are used for this analysis. Two of the codes are based on mainframe computer codes of four inertia models developed by R. Kasuba and H. Lin, respectively.