New Method with Experimental Validation for Power Transmission Process Analysis on Herringbone Gear Train System

To analyse the power transmission process of herringbone gear train system supported by rolling element bearings more accurately, meshing stiffness calculation method is firstly developed through tooth load contact analysis. The model of mesh impact force and the approach to calculate the equivalent friction torque coefficient in mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication state are sequentially derived. The twelve-degree-of-freedom herringbone gear vibration model is finally established. Upon the consideration of different supporting ways between pinion and gear shaft, dynamic loads on support bearings are calculated separately. Based on rolling element bearing dynamic model and internal load distribution on bearings, comprehensive analysis of the vibration transmission process in meshing gear pair, rolling element bearings, and internal walls of gearbox bearing holes is conducted. Under the real dynamic load boundary condition, harmonic response and transient response of gearbox are obtained correspondingly. To evaluate the proposed model approach, a rolling element bearings support herringbone gear system is adopted to do real closed power flow vibration test. Simulation and experimental results show that the theoretical analysis in this paper is scientific and reasonable to calculate the dynamic load transfer process, and the maximum relative deviation between the theoretical results and the experimental data is less than 15%.