Life prediction of spiral bevel gears for starved elastohydrodynamic lubrication

Taking aim at starved elaslohydrodynamic lubrication (SEHL) of spiral bevel gears, the analyses of loaded tooth contact track, main curvature of contact point, and load distribution between teeth were performed by differential geometry and space surface mesh theory. By the theory of SEHL at elliptical contact system, the mathematic model and life predication model of SEHL for spiral bevel gears were established. By the analysis on the aviation spiral bevel gears concerning a certain helicopter transmission system, it was proved that the life predication model on SEHL of spiral bevel gears is valid, to provide an effective method for the life prediction.