Finite Element Analysis for Material Optimization of a Spur Gear by Radial Holes

Use of advanced materials in gear manufacturing lead to the best use of the material is achieved by geometric optimization, which uses less material. Removal of the material from gear makes lighter weight gear, and the simulation study helps in understanding their effects on stress distribution. This present research work focuses on removing material from the gear tooth for developing lightweight gears. Circular holes are introduced radially through the gear tooth and holes of 1.5 mm diameter created from top land of the gear tooth with varying depth from 5 to 20 mm. This leads to a volume reduction of 2.49% to a maximum of 12.451% as compared to no radial hole on gear. The analysis of CAD models created in CREO software of pinion and gear assembly is carried out in Ansys Workbench 17.2. Stresses in gear proposed are compared with the gear without a hole. The magnitude of stresses at the roots for both pinion and gear is observed and discussed.