The Bevel Local Slope Approach: A method for mesh stiffness estimation in spur, helical and spiral bevel gears

The local slope approach proved to be very useful in recent studies as a method to generate the gear mesh stiffness of spur gears. This study seeks to adopt this approach and apply it to the analysis of the gear mesh stiffness of bevel gears. The objective therefore extends beyond the validation of results obtained with an updated version of the method named the bevel local slope approach. This approach is considered as a finite element method that is based on a first-order finite difference approximation using the non-linear force–deflection response of the gear pair. CADs are prepared and optimum FE meshing is generated to realize simulations for several increments dividing a single meshing period. The results obtained with this approach are compared to the analytical approach of Weber and Banascheck. The goal is to illuminate potential challenges associated with the aforementioned method. A key observation is the phenomena occurring in the body of the gear as a torsional deformation at a direction different to the direction of rotation. The method proved to be very useful not only for straight bevel gears, but also for helical and spiral shapes.