Determination of surface temperature rise with the coupled thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic analysis of spiral bevel gears

In order to determine the temperature rise of the tooth surface as a result of the friction heat in mixed EHL, a coupled thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic analysis is carried out in consideration of the load shearing, mixed lubrication characteristics, heat generation in the contact region. The procedure necessary to establish the model of a coupled thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic analysis is also described. Considering the lubrication condition of tooth surface, a great challenge of moving heat source applied on complex curved surface is solved to improve the present thermal analysis method of spiral bevel gear. Based on loaded tooth contact analysis of spiral bevel gears and EHL analysis of point contact, steady-state and transient thermal analyses are conducted. And the comparison of the analytical results with the experimental measurements shows good agreement. Effects of asperity contact on temperature rise in spiral bevel gear teeth surfaces were also discussed.