| Scope of study. The purpose of the study was to develop a method for determining the dynamic loads present in geared systems with multiple clearances that are driven in a repeated start-stop mode. This study is different from other investigations of geared systems with backlash in the following ways: (a) It considers the transient response to arbitrary initial conditions as opposed to the steady state response of a continuously rotating system; (b) It considers multiple clearances as opposed to a single gear-pair with a single clearance (backlash); (c) It considers the loads in other system elements such as shaft-couplings, and keyed joints; (d) It considers the effects of external loading; and, (e) A rotational model is used rather than an equivalent rectilinear model.;Findings and conclusions. A major part of the study consisted of the development of a digital simulation program for the study of geared systems with multiple clearances. In addition, realistic, nonlinear models were developed for spur/helical gears and for a keyed joint. Finally, the computer program (TRAIN) was used to simulate various mechanical systems. TRAIN allows a user to build a model interactively in block-diagram fashion without explicitly writing any system equations. Repeated use of TRAIN has shown it to be a versatile program, useful for both transient and steady state analysis of nonlinear systems. |
