A NEW MODEL FOR THE NUMERICAL DETERMINATION OF PITTING RESISTANCE OF GEAR TEETH FLANKS

Abstract— A numerical model for determining the pitting resistance of gear teeth flanks is presented in this paper. The model considers the material fatigue process leading to pitting, i.e. the conditions required for crack initiation and then simulation of fatigue crack propagation. The theory of dislocation motion on persistent slip bands is used to describe the process of crack initiation, where the microstructure of a material plays a crucial role. The simulation of crack growth takes into account both short crack growth, where the modified Bilby, Cottrell and Swinden model is used for simulation of dislocation motion, and long crack growth, where the theory of linear elastic fracture mechanics is applied. The stress field in the contact area of meshing spur gear teeth and the functional relationship between the stress intensity factor and crack length are determined by the finite element method. For numerical simulations of crack initiation and crack propagation in the contact area of spur gear teeth, an equivalent model of two cylinders is used. On the basis of numerical results, and with consideration of some particular material parameters, the service life of gear teeth flanks is estimated. The developed model is applied to a real spur gear pair, which is also experimentally tested. The comparison of numerical and experimental results shows good agreement and it can be concluded that the developed model is appropriate for determining the pitting resistance of gear teeth flanks.