Nonlinear Dynamics and Extended Tooth Contact of Spur Gear Pairs Under Pitch Deviation Effects

This study investigates the nonlinear dynamic behavior and extended tooth contact characteristics of spur gear pairs under varying pitch deviations. A refined dynamic model considering time-varying mesh stiffness, backlash, tooth coupling effects, and extended contact is established through the following governing equations:

$$m_e \ddot{x} + c \dot{x} + k(t)g(x) + \sum_{j=1}^n \beta_j F_{pj} = T_m$$
$$g(x) = \begin{cases}
x – b, & x \geq b \\
0, & |x| < b \\
x + b, & x \leq -b
\end{cases}$$

where $m_e$ represents the equivalent mass, $c$ the damping coefficient, and $k(t)$ the time-varying mesh stiffness. The pitch deviation effect is embedded in $\beta_j$ through the relationship:

$$\beta_j = 1 + \frac{\Delta p_j}{p_0} \cos(2\pi j/N + \phi)$$

Pitch Error Level (μm) Primary Resonance Shift (%) Extended Contact Rate Increase
5 2.1 8.3%
10 4.7 15.6%
15 7.9 22.4%

The numerical solution using 4th-order Runge-Kutta method reveals three distinct dynamic regimes in spur gear systems:

$$ \text{1. Periodic motion: } \ddot{x} + 2\zeta\omega_n\dot{x} + \omega_n^2x = \epsilon \cos(\omega t) $$
$$ \text{2. Quasi-periodic motion: } x(t) = \sum_{k=1}^\infty A_k \cos(k\omega t + \phi_k) $$
$$ \text{3. Chaotic motion: } \lambda_{\text{max}} > 0 $$

Extended tooth contact characteristics show significant variation with pitch deviation:

$$\eta_c = \frac{1}{T} \int_0^T \sum_{i=1}^m H(\delta_i(t))dt$$
$$H(\delta_i) = \begin{cases}
1, & \delta_i \geq 0 \\
0, & \delta_i < 0
\end{cases}$$

Operating Condition Contact Rate (Entry) Contact Rate (Exit)
Normal 92.4% 88.7%
5μm Error 95.1% 83.2%
10μm Error 97.8% 76.5%

The proposed tri-stable NES (TNES) for vibration suppression in spur gear systems demonstrates superior performance under strong excitations:

$$U(x) = \frac{1}{4}k_1x^4 – \frac{1}{2}k_2x^2 + \frac{1}{4}k_3x^4$$
$$\ddot{x} + \lambda \dot{x} + \frac{dU}{dx} = F \cos(\omega t)$$

Performance comparison between conventional NES and TNES:

Parameter NES TNES
Effective Range (Hz) 120-180 90-240
Vibration Reduction 42% 67%
Energy Dissipation 2.8 J 4.5 J

The coupled dynamics of spur gear systems with TNES can be described by:

$$ \begin{cases}
m_1\ddot{x}_1 + c_1\dot{x}_1 + k_1x_1 + k_c(x_1 – x_2)^3 = F_1(t) \\
m_2\ddot{x}_2 + c_2\dot{x}_2 + k_2x_2 + k_c(x_2 – x_1)^3 = F_2(t)
\end{cases} $$

Key findings for spur gear applications include:

  1. Pitch deviations >10μm induce chaotic transitions at 85-120Hz range
  2. TNES achieves 23% better vibration suppression than NES at 150Hz
  3. Extended tooth contact forces increase by 18-35% with pitch errors
  4. Coexisting attractors appear when excitation exceeds 1.2× nominal torque

The research establishes fundamental relationships between spur gear manufacturing accuracy and dynamic performance, while providing a practical solution for vibration control in high-power transmission systems.

Scroll to Top