Numerical and experimental analysis of the cycloid disc stress state

Abstract

The paper deals with the stress state analysis of the cycloid disc by using numerical and experimental methods for the most critical case of the meshing - single meshing. Cycloid disc is the vital element of the cycloidal speed reducer - mechanical power transmission of the new generation with growing use in industrial practice. 3D computer model of one specific one-stage cycloidal speed reducer was made. After that, the whole series of different numerical models of the cycloid disc were defined in FEMAP and NASTRAN, in order to determine the most realistic stress state by using FEM. In order to verify the results obtained by numerical methods, experimental analysis was realised using the strain gauges method. Physical model of the cycloid disc was made and also models of other elements of the cycloidal speed reducer which are in direct contact with it, in order to obtain the most realistic conditions for the experimental analysis. Obtained experimental results showed good agreement with numerical results. Even for the most unfavourable case of the theoretical meshing (single meshing), which is almost non-existent in practice, stress values are in allowed limits and provide reliable functioning of the reducer in the foreseen work life period.