Influences of rubber cushion and bearing position on the mesh characteristics of small-module spiral bevel gear

A mathematical model of spiral bevel gear with the application of duplex spread blade method was established. A novel finite element model considering the configuration of shafts and bearings was developed. The influences of shafts, bearing position, and rubber cushion on the mesh characteristics of spiral bevel gear under different loads were investigated. Results show that the peak-to-peak value of transmission error and the ratio of contact area and high stress area all increase with the increase in loads. With the existence of rubber cushion, the contact pattern moves to the heel and root sides of the wheel flank, and the peak-to-peak value of transmission error and root edge contact area increase. With the front bearing moving from the original position to the positive position, the peak-to-peak value of transmission error increases. With the movement of rear bearing position from negative to positive, the contact pattern moves to the heel and root sides of the wheel flank. The peak-to-peak value of transmission error increases, and the root edge contact area expands.