NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF ALUMINUM COMPOSITE CYLINDRICAL GEARS

Abstract

Spur gears are the simplest type of gears, which are widely used in modern structures. One of the main tasks of researchers in application areas of gears within the responsible structures, especially in spacecraft propulsion mechanisms, is to obtain compact gear, small size and weight, while maintaining or improving functional characteristics. Therefore there was a need to explore new materials that could be used as a replacement for steel in the manufacturing of gears. A good alternative for steel is hybrid composite with aluminum matrix and various reinforcements, which provides adequate mechanical properties, while reducing the weight of the gear. The paper presents the modeling of gears and analysis of their stress-deformation state using the finite element method. Steel and composite gears made from aluminum matrix with various reinforcements were tested. Results from this study show that the gear made of composite material offers enhanced features compared to metal gears.