An Analysis of Gear Based on Isogeometric Analysis

Although the CAGD has shown its ability to represent the geometry at a very high precision, the error is inevitable in FEA due to its imprecise mesh. This paper analyzes the stress state of a gear using NURBS-based IGA (Isogeometric Analysis). And the results show great superiority of IGA on efficiency and accuracy compared with traditional FEM (Finite Element Method). The contours of involute gear is non-rational curve and the general way to represent the geometry is the tracing point method. It is almost impossible to accurately descript the involute at the mathematical level either, however, NURBS can supply exact representation of the involute within acceptable error range. As a result, the NURBS-based IGA offers an effective and accurate calculation for gear analysis. Unlike the FEM, the IGA conducts mechanical analysis directly on NURBS geometry and it skips the step of meshing which will reduce a lot of workload.