Introduction to Gear Engineering

Gears are basic mechanical components used to transmit motion and/or power and are responsible for the smooth functioning of a significant number of machines, instruments, and equipments employed in most major industrial, scientific, and domestic applications. The purpose of this chapter is to present a basic introduction to gears, their use, and manufacture. The chapter commences with an introduction to gears along with a brief history. A classification scheme is then presented based on the gear-shaft axis orientation and corresponding gear types with their unique features and applications. The applicable gear terminology and nomenclature along with the most important gear materials, their properties, and application areas are presented next. The chapter is concluded with a brief introduction into gear manufacture comprising both conventional and advanced types along with the relevant finishing processes.