Multi-objective optimization of hypoid gears to improve operating characteristics

In this paper a multi-objective optimization method of hypoid gears correlating to the operating characteristics is presented. Optimal design of hypoid gears demands that multiple objectives be simultaneously achieved. Four objectives considered in this study are the minimization of the maximum tooth contact pressure, transmission error and the average temperature in the gear mesh, and the maximization of the mechanical efficiency of the gear pair. The goals of the optimization are achieved by the optimal modification of meshing teeth surfaces. In practice, these modifications are introduced by applying the appropriate machine tool setting for the manufacture of the pinion and the gear, and/or by using a tool with an optimized profile. The proposed optimization procedure relies heavily on the loaded tooth contact analysis for the prediction of tooth contact pressure distribution and transmission errors, and on the mixed elastohydrodynamic analysis of lubrication to determine temperature and efficiency. A fast elitist nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is applied to solve the model. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by using hypoid gear examples. The obtained results have shown that by the optimization considerable improvements in the operating characteristics of the gear pair are achieved.