Thermal modelling of a back-to-back gearbox test machine: Application to the FZG test rig

Abstract

A thermal model of a back-to-back gear test rig relying on a network approach is presented in which the predictions of temperatures and power losses are coupled. The numerical findings are in good agreement with the measurements for transient regimes on a FZG test rig and it is demonstrated that the proposed simulation is reliable. A number of results are presented which illustrate the influence of the pinion and gear immersion depths. It is found that, in certain conditions, the classic isothermal method for estimating integral temperatures is questionable because the actual bulk temperature can substantially deviate from that of the oil sump. The practical consequences in terms of scuffing capacity are emphasised.

Investigations on Oil Flow Rates Projected on the Casing Walls by Splashed Lubricated Gears

“…Höhn et al [13] have conducted a number of experiments showing that lowering the oil level in the sump reduces churning losses but also leads to higher gear bulk temperatures. These results have been theoretically confirmed by Durand de Gevigney et al [14].…”

Analysis of no-load dependent power losses in a planetary gear train by using thermal network method

“…This kind of power losses is estimated with formulas extracted from (8) and are injected to nodes #15 and #16.…”

Untitled

“…In 2010, a closed-loop test rig for fatigue testing of aviation gearboxes using numerical modelling was designed (Markowski et al 2010). A thermal model of a back-to-back closed-loop test rig was presented in 2012 (de Gevigney et al 2012). Moreover, the development of test rigs for evaluating the performance of the gear has been studied in addition to the fabrication and discussion of a new gear test rig having the same capability (Arun et al 2014).…”