Thermal elastohydrodynamic simulation of involute spur gears incorporating mixed friction

A model for calculating transient, three-dimensional, thermal elastohydrodynamic tooth flank contacts in spur gears with involute gearing is presented. The calculation model is based on the combined numerical solutions of the generalized Reynolds, energy and Fourier heat equations. Mass conserving cavitation, non-Newtonian flow and the real involute characteristics of the tooth flanks are incorporated. States of mixed friction and microhydrodynamic effects are ascertained integrally based on real-measured surface topographies. Straight spur gear pairs serve as an example to present the results of calculating the influence of surface roughness asperities and gearing geometry. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.