Due to the limitation of computer conditions, in the early application of finite element method to study gear problems, only a single tooth is used to divide the finite element mesh, and only single tooth meshing is considered. In this research, considering the calculation accuracy and computer capacity, three consecutive teeth are used as the research object.
In the finite element analysis of spiral bevel gear, firstly, the mechanical model of the gear should be established and discretized to provide the coordinates, numbers, loads and constraints of each element and node. The calculation shows that whether the finite element model is reasonable or not is the key to the convergence of iterative solution of contact boundary.
Accurate solution of load distribution between teeth and load distribution along the tooth direction at each instant of gear meshing is the basis of accurate analysis of gear strength. The existing calculation methods are based on a certain assumed contact area shape and solved according to Hertz’s contact theory, which deviates far from the actual contact situation. As mentioned earlier, the shape and pressure distribution of the instantaneous contact area of spiral bevel gear are typical contact nonlinear problems, which can be well solved by the finite element method. In the process of gear transmission, with the continuous change of meshing position, the tooth stiffness and bearing position along the tooth direction change, and the distribution of load between teeth also changes.