Numerical simulation and generation of curved face width gears

A non-standard, curved face width gear has been developed in order to obtai n a high contact ratio, reduced bending stresses and lower sliding velociti es compared to conventional spur gears. The benefits of this gear form make it a suitable candidate for manufacture from non-metallic materials. The p aper describes the mathematical simulation of curved face width gears which enables the tooth forms to be generated and permits the theoretical line o f contact to be produced. Gears have been manufactured which has enabled th e ideal involute tooth form to be compared to the actual shape. (C) 2001 El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.