2 D FEM analysis of spur gear tooth

Group Members: Ajay Vora , Nakul Nuwal , Prateek Nyati

Introduction and motivation


Spur gears having involute profile are designed to transmit torque in parallel shafts. These gears
have teeth that experience bending stresses.
In the case of intricate geometries like this, where shape of the gear tooth profile is very
important, the type and size of elements in FEM analysis will play an important role in accuracy
of final results. Capturing the boundary of the involute profile of gear tooth is very important if
we want to get the correct results. It is expected that when we decrease the element size to
smaller and smaller value, we will get better and better approximation to the profile and
consequently, better results. Parametric study with respect to mesh size and type of elements
is very important in this case.

Also, in the problems like this where we have localized stress concentrations at the point of
application of load and high amount of localized deformations, choice of higher order shape
functions might give significantly different results. Study of effect of using different quadrature
rules on the final results will help to improve understanding of the importance of order and
type of different kinds of shape functions.


Methodology

Here in this study we will consider the stresses and strains produced in the spur gear tooth due
to concentrated load at the pitch point of a single tooth.
Fem analysis using different mesh sizes will be done initially, and comparison will be done to
observe effect of varying mesh size on the final results.
We will also be studying effects of using higher order shape functions. We will compare results
of using linear and quadratic shape functions.
We will later study the effect of using different type of elements (triangular and quadrilateral)
on the final result.
Effects of quadrature rules on the result will also be studied.
If time permits, effects of changing the concentrated load application point will also be studied.
We will also try to compare the results obtained by FEM analysis with the results obtained using
Lewis bending equations.

Formulation and governing equations

Nodal displacement vector:

Nodal forces vector


Figure 1 Triangular finite element
Displacements u and v at any point inside the element




Figure 2 triangular parent element

Relationship between Cartesian and parent co ordinates


Element Strain matrix




Using rules of prtial derivatives we will find jacobians for transformation matrix





Element stress recovery for homogeneous isotropic material


Element Stiffness matrix



Using gauss quadrature

For any parameter inside the element

Body forces

due to body forces




Boundary conditions

Analysis using Ansys

Mesh 1

Results





Mesh 2

Results


Formulation and governing equations reference
1. Finite elements analysis procedures in engineering by H.V. Lakshminarayanana