Wildhaber-Novikov Circular Arc Gears: Elastohydrodynamics

Abstract

The paper describes an elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) analysis of heavily loaded contacts between the teeth of Wildhaber-Novikov (W-N) circular arc gears. The contacts occurring in gears of this type are elliptical in shape with lubricant entrainment in the direction of the major axis of the contact. The results shown refer to a particular practical design and cover a range of operating conditions encountered in practice. Because of the high rolling velocity in W-N gears a relatively thick oil film is predicted over most of the contact. Severe thinning of the film occurs at the sides of the contact, however. Results of the full EHL analysis are compared with predictions using a published film thickness formula based upon analysis of moderately loaded elliptical contacts. It is suggested that the side-thinning effect is dependent upon the relative elastic deformation occurring in the contact.