Adaptive Grid-Size Modelling of Helical Gear Pairs

Amethod for solving the contact problem in a generic helical gear pair (either external or internal) is described. Gear profiles are obtained by means of numerical simulation of the cutting process and an accurate description is provided in terms of NURBS curves or surfaces. The minimum number of parameters needed to describe accurately the profile in presence of tip and root reliefs, helix modification and crowning is discussed. A reference structured grid is defined on the tooth, then refinement criteria are discussed in order to obtain accurate solutions in terms of tooth deflection, contact pressure and fillet stress. A comparison with other approaches is given.