Structure optimization of cycloid gear based on the finite element method

Structure optimization of cycloid gear based on the finite element method

Jianmin Xu1, Lizhi Gu2, Shanming Luo3

1College of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China

2College of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China

3School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen 361024, China

A numerical model of cycloidal gear is created by using three-dimensional software and finite element analysis is applied with ANSYS platform. The first six natural frequencies and mode shapes are obtained, as a result. Influences from structure, material and thickness of the gear are investigated. Analysis shows that, modal shapes of cycloid gear are mainly circumferential modes, umbrella-type modes, torsional vibration mode and radial modes. The first six natural frequencies of 5 kinds of cycloid gear with variable cross-section were smaller than those of ordinary cycloid gears, and cycloid gears with variable cross-section can avoid resonance frequencies easily. Dynamics of five new cycloidal gears with variable cross-sections are consistent with ordinary cycloid gears. Modal frequencies of ordinary cycloid gears increases in accordance with materials, such as bearing steel, alloy steel and plastics; also, natural frequency increases with the increase of the thickness of the gear. Conclusions of this paper provide a basis for dynamic designing of cycloid gears.