Mathematical Model for Calculation of Efficiency of Worm Gear Drives
The work presented here provides a mathematical model for solving the problem of lubrication (calculation of efficiency) of worm gear drives, including a description of the engagement geometry and comprehensive modeling of the worm gear drive lubrication process based on the physical characteristics of the lubricant and the applied materials of contact bodies. The established mathematical model is based on the thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic (TEHD) lubrication theory that has proven to be successful in the analysis of journal bearings. The solution of the problem on hand by analyzing the loss of power in gearing, i.e. by analyzing the efficiency ratio of the gear, is basically reduced to the problem of mathematical modeling of local friction coefficients in the oil film along the contact line of the gears. The applicability of TEHD lubrication and the developed computer program were verified by comparing numerical results with experimental values obtained on a test bench using a real worm gear.