Influence of running-in on surface characteristics of efficiency tested ground gears

The effect of running-in load (0.9 or 1.7 GPa) on surface characteristics of ground spur gears, and on their development during subsequent efficiency testing (FZG rig), is examined. The effect was confined to less than 10 μm depth. Micropitting was associated with surface asperities and their plastic deformation; higher running-in load gave more micropitting, also after identical efficiency tests. Running-in increased unequal compressive residual stresses in both profile and axial directions, while after efficiency testing they approached equal levels. Deformation induced martensite is considered to form during running-in only at high load, still the amount after efficiency testing increased with running-in load. Higher surface content of phosphorous from extreme pressure additive (EP) occurred only after efficiency test following running-in at high load.