Experimental measurement of gear mesh stiffness of cracked spur gear by strain gauge technique

In this paper, an experimental technique based on strain gauge has been proposed to measure the gear mesh stiffness of healthy spur gear as well as of cracked spur gear pair system. Calculation of mesh stiffness of healthy and cracked spur gear tooth are based on strain energy and strain energy release rate respectively. The location of strain gauge plays an important role in calculation of strain energy stored in gear tooth. The locations of strain gauge on gear tooth are illustrated for healthy and cracked gear. Stress intensity factor (SIF) has been calculated by strain gauge technique for calculating the stiffness of cracked pinion tooth. The effect of crack length on mesh stiffness has been investigated by strain gauge technique and results are compared with the established analytical method.