Mesh Stiffness Comparison of Different Models in Polymer Spur Gear Analysis

This study delves into the mesh stiffness of polymer spur gears, comparing two distinct modeling approaches: a single-tooth model and a three-tooth segment model. Using the Finite Element Method (FEM), the research evaluates the stiffness characteristics of these models under dynamic loads. The findings reveal that the single-tooth model consistently overestimates stiffness values, failing to account for load-sharing interactions between adjacent teeth. In contrast, the three-tooth model provides a more accurate representation of the gear's behavior, particularly near the tooth root where stress concentration is highest. The study concludes that accurate prediction of stiffness behavior is crucial for performance, durability, and noise reduction in polymer gears. Future research should extend this work to transient analyses incorporating viscoelastic and thermal effects, essential for real-world polymer gear applications.