Static analysis of bevel gears using finite element method

A new method, namely the normal stiffness matrix along contact line (NSMACL) method, for analysing gears, is proposed. The new method uses the static coagulation technique to coagulate the global stiffness matrix of all contact teeth into a lower-order NSMACL. By adding the concert deformation condition and equilibrate condition, the relation between the torque acting on the driving gear and the load along the contact lines can be established, and the contact stress and gear tooth deformation can also be obtained. Three-dimensional (3D) highly accurate solid models of gear teeth have been established, in which the contact range and the whole finite element model can be automatically adjusted with the change of meshing process. Spur and helical bevel gears can be analysed using these models. Example models and results are presented.