Experimental and analytical study of aerospace spiral bevel gear tooth fillet stresses

An aerospace-quality spiral bevel gearset was analytically and experimentally rolled through mesh to investigate tooth bending stress. A nonlinear finite element model utilized multiple teeth from the pinion and gear to simulate three-dimensional multitooth contact. The results were compared to those obtained experimentally with strain gages. A total of five strain gages, mounted in the root/fillet region of three teeth, were used. Effects of changing speed and load were measured. Tests were conducted from static (slow roll) to 14,400 rpm at power levels up to 537 kW (720 hp).