Finite element simulation of bending stress on involute spur gear tooth profiles

This study investigated bending stress distribution on involute spur gear tooth profiles with pressure angle of 20° but different modules 2.5, 4.0 and 6.0 mm, using a finite-element-based simulation package-AutoFEA JL Analyzer. The drafting of the geometry for the three gear tooth profiles were implemented on the platform of VB-AutoCAD customized environment, before importing to the package. These were separately subjected to analysis for bending stresses for a point at the tooth fillet region with appropriate settings of material property, load and boundary conditions. With the same settings, the bending stresses were computed analytically using American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) established equation. The results of the two approaches were in good agreement, with maximum relative deviation of 4.38%. This informed the confidence in the implementation of the package to investigate the variation of bending stress within the gear tooth profile. The simulation revealed decrease in the bending stresses at the investigated regions with increase in the module of the involute spur-gear. The study confirms that Finite element simulation of stresses on gear tooth can be obtained accurately and quickly with the AutoFEA JL Analyzer.