Gear and Bearing Tribology Contact Simulation for Advanced Propulsion and Drive Systems

The development of a Wedeven Associates Machine (WAMmp) for micro-pitting utilizes an advanced gearbox design and other support components to apply high loads and precision surface velocities while measuring traction under incipient sliding conditions. It is intended to evaluate oil and material pairs for specific performance characteristics related to high cycle fatigue and micropitting. Testing and modeling from WAMmp data creates the opportunity to predict the performance of bearing/gear materials, surface processing, and lubricants during the component design phase. Wedeven Associates, Inc. (WAI) has developed surface finishing processes to axially hone test articles to represent gear tooth finishing. The development of this method provides a meaningful tool for evaluation of new technologies and for predictive modeling for advanced gearbox and drive system designs.