Research on Fatigue Life Prediction of Gear Box in Caterpillar Based on Running Simulation Test

Abstract

Gear box in caterpillar is designed with the static strength theory. While the dynamic characteristics of planetary parts in different working condition is difficult to obtain with the limit of traditional method, so research on reliability and fatigue life prediction of gear box is very difficulty which result that designed life is much longer than practical life. The reliability of caterpillar is affected deeply. The dynamic loads suffered by gear box in different working condition is obtained based on running simulation with MSC.ATV, and then the fatigue life of planetary frame is calculated with fatigue life prediction system of gear box. The study case prove the new method is feasible.