Advanced Design Optimization Procedures for Worm Gear Drives

Abstract

Concerning the optimization design of worm drives, it is especially important to achieve maximum output power of the gear set, which depends particularly intensively on the efficiency coefficient of the worm gear meshing. The purpose of the study presented is to create advanced design optimization procedures concerning the output power of the worm gear, taking into account nine design variable parameters and several significant mechanical constraints. The variable parameters selected are: number of starts for the worm, number of teeth of the worm gear, center distance, sliding speed and friction coefficient for the meshing, lead and tooth friction angles, permissible contact stresses for the pair of worm and worm gear materials, appropriate values of the safety factors. The research methodology applied includes four different stages, which are briefly described. The research results obtained are analyzed. The conclusions and recommendations deduced are related and focused to the objectives of future research work of the author's team.