Comparison of localised spalling and crack damage from dynamic modelling of spur gear vibrations

This paper presents a 26 degree of freedom gear dynamic model of three shafts and two pairs of spur gears in mesh for comparison of localised tooth spalling and damage. This paper details how tooth spalling and cracks can be included in the model by using the combined torsional mesh stiffness of the gears. The FEA models developed for calculation of the torsional stiffness and tooth load sharing ratio of the gears in mesh with the spalling and crack damage are also described. The dynamic simulation results of vibration from the gearbox were obtained by using Matlab and Simulink models, which were developed from the equations of motion. The simulation results were found to be consistent with results from previously published mathematical analysis and experimental investigations. The difference and comparison between the vibration signals with the tooth crack and spalling damage are discussed by investigating some of the common diagnostic functions and changes to the frequency spectra results. The result of this paper indicates that the amplitude and phase modulation of the coherent time synchronous vibration signal average can be effective in indicating the difference between localised tooth spalling and crack damage. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.