Numerical Dynamic Analysis of Gearbox
Behaviour
Václav Otipka , Roman Zajac , Kamil Rehak , and Aleš Prokop
Abstract This paper is focused on the description of the dynamic behaviour of a
single-stage gearbox when changing the operating load using numerical approach.
The numerical model, which is further discussed in the paper, combines FEM and
MBS approach in the commercial software Ansys Workbench and Adams with
plugin GearAT. The key components are represented by flexible structures—modally
reduced bodies. The mesh conditions in the model can include the elastic behaviour
of the gear rim, backlash and the influence of lubrication in the contact area. At
the very beginning used approach was developed on a simple experimental gearbox.
Subsequently, this methodology was applied to a complex train gearbox with the
aim of optimizing its gearbox housing geometry. In a multi-body system, a series of
operating simulations were performed on a virtual test rig. Based on the evaluation
of normal surface velocity at selected points, the gearbox housing geometry was
optimized.
1 Introduction
Numerical simulations are widely used today in terms of optimizing the vibroacoustic parameters of transmission systems. The computational models enable
predicting the gearbox behaviour during the operation. In case of experimental development many physical prototypes need to be manufactured and subsequently tested.
On the other side, the usage of numerical simulations enables to find any problems
at the design phase, thus significantly saves total cost and speed up the developing
process of new products. This approach is amplified by increasing trend of the modern
computing power [1–4].
In this paper, one of these advanced approaches to development using virtual
prototype is introduced. The presented computational model was designed primarily
V. Otipka (B) · R. Zajac · K. Rehak · A. Prokop
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 2896/2, 616 69
Brno, Czech Republic
e-mail: vaclav.otipka@vutbr.cz
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
N. Herisanu and V. Marinca (eds.), Acoustics and Vibration of Mechanical
Structures—AVMS 2019, Springer Proceedings in Physics 251,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-54136-1_44
433
Behaviour
Václav Otipka , Roman Zajac , Kamil Rehak , and Aleš Prokop
Abstract This paper is focused on the description of the dynamic behaviour of a
single-stage gearbox when changing the operating load using numerical approach.
The numerical model, which is further discussed in the paper, combines FEM and
MBS approach in the commercial software Ansys Workbench and Adams with
plugin GearAT. The key components are represented by flexible structures—modally
reduced bodies. The mesh conditions in the model can include the elastic behaviour
of the gear rim, backlash and the influence of lubrication in the contact area. At
the very beginning used approach was developed on a simple experimental gearbox.
Subsequently, this methodology was applied to a complex train gearbox with the
aim of optimizing its gearbox housing geometry. In a multi-body system, a series of
operating simulations were performed on a virtual test rig. Based on the evaluation
of normal surface velocity at selected points, the gearbox housing geometry was
optimized.
1 Introduction
Numerical simulations are widely used today in terms of optimizing the vibroacoustic parameters of transmission systems. The computational models enable
predicting the gearbox behaviour during the operation. In case of experimental development many physical prototypes need to be manufactured and subsequently tested.
On the other side, the usage of numerical simulations enables to find any problems
at the design phase, thus significantly saves total cost and speed up the developing
process of new products. This approach is amplified by increasing trend of the modern
computing power [1–4].
In this paper, one of these advanced approaches to development using virtual
prototype is introduced. The presented computational model was designed primarily
V. Otipka (B) · R. Zajac · K. Rehak · A. Prokop
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 2896/2, 616 69
Brno, Czech Republic
e-mail: vaclav.otipka@vutbr.cz
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
N. Herisanu and V. Marinca (eds.), Acoustics and Vibration of Mechanical
Structures—AVMS 2019, Springer Proceedings in Physics 251,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-54136-1_44
433