Mass Optimization of Gears

Abstract

The paper deals with the mass optimization of gear pairs. The proposed material science based selection strategy uses an extended version of Ashby model, where the minimum value of mass as function of material parameters and density can be calculated. Comparative analyses have proved that applying the method proposed, various gear materials can be classified and ranked. It could be concluded that case or induction hardened steels and titanium alloys with appropriate surface treatment are the best solutions for high quality gear materials. The presented relationships for material parameters and geometry of gears help empirical or heuristic selection of proper materials.