Lubrication characteristics of double involute gears under the tribo-dynamic condition

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the lubrication characteristics of double involute gear (DIG), compare its lubrication differences under quasi-static and tribo-dynamic conditions and study the influence of different factors on its lubrication characteristics under the tribo-dynamic condition. Design/methodology/approach According to the meshing characteristics of DIG and elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) theory, a tribo-dynamic model of DIG is established based on the "subsection method." The Runge-Kutta method and the multigrid method are integrated to solve the model, and the dynamic analytical model of lubricating oil is established in the iterative solution. Findings The load and the transmission error fluctuate obviously under the tribo-dynamic condition, which is not conducive to the lubrication of DIG. The influence of rotational speeds and torque on the lubrication properties of DIG has obvious differences under tribo-dynamic and quasi-static conditions. Originality/value This research can provide a theoretical basis for improving the lubrication performance, reducing the loss of mechanical efficiency and improving the bearing capacity and service life of DIG.