Dynamics of a Split Torque Helicopter Transmission

Abstract

A high reduction ratio split torque gear train has been proposed as an alternative to a planetary configuration for the final stage of a helicopter transmission. A split torque design allows a high ratio of power-to-weight for the transmission. The design studied in this work includes a pivoting beam that acts to balance thrust loads produced by the helical gear meshes in each of two parallel power paths. When the thrust loads are balanced, the torque is split evenly. A mathematical model was developed to study the dynamics of the system. The effects of time varying gear mesh stiffness, static transmission errors, and flexible bearing supports are included in the model. The model was demonstrated with a test case. Results show that although the gearbox has a symmetric configuration, the simulated dynamic behavior of the first and second compound gears are not the same. Also, results show that shaft location and mesh stiffness tuning are significant design parameters that influence the motions of the system. Split torque gearbox; Gear dynamics; Load sharing; Transmission error.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA257375

Entities

People

  • Majid Rashidi
  • Timothy Krantz

Organizations

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Army Aviation
  • Computational Science
  • Computer Simulations
  • Dynamics
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Frequency
  • Geometry
  • Helicopters
  • Linear Systems
  • Load Distribution
  • Mathematical Models
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Potential Energy
  • Simulations
  • Vibration

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Structural Dynamics.
  • Tribology (the study of the boundary interaction between sliding surfaces, lubrication, wear and friction).