Research on Active Precontrol Strategy for Shape and Performance of Helicopter Spiral Bevel Gears

Gear vibration becomes unmanageable under extreme conditions, which shortens the time between overhauls of the helicopter reducer and affects the service efficiency of helicopters. For this purpose, an active precontrol strategy for shape and performance was developed for spiral bevel gear (SBG) systems, thus prolonging the reliable service period of helicopters. Firstly, the perfect pinion surface was built based on the preset contact path (CP) and transmission error (TE). Secondly, through a combination of tooth contact analysis (TCA) and loaded tooth contact analysis (LTCA), the loaded transmission error (LTE), meshing stiffness (MS), and meshing impact (MI) of the SBG transmission were obtained. Thirdly, an eight-degrees-of-freedom (8-DOF) dynamic model was built, and a simplified dynamic model was generated based on this. As regards the dynamic response, the root mean square of normal vibration acceleration (RMA) of the SBG transmission was obtained by solving the differential equation of motion. The RMA of the SBG transmission was also analysed based on the basic theory of vector structural mechanics. Finally, an optimization model aimed at reducing the RMA of the SBG transmission was established using ease-off, and a redesigned SBG transmission with good dynamic performance was obtained through optimization. Simulation analysis showed that the LTE and MS amplitudes of the optimized gear were smaller than those of the original gear. The impact force and impact velocity of the optimized gear were 27.02% and 25.81%, respectively, lower than those of the original gear. The RMA value of the optimized gear was much lower than that of the original gear. The normal vibration velocity and displacement of the optimized gear transmission were also cut down. Therefore, the design approach can effectively increase the performance of gear transmission.