Analysis of steady-state temperature field of planetary gears considering load distribution and mixed oil-air medium

• Published in: Tribology international Vol. 200; p. 110062
• Main Authors: Zhang, Qianxi, Xiao, Zhengming, Xiang, Zaiyu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2024
• Subjects: Load distribution coefficient; Oil-air medium; Planetary gear; Temperature field; Viscosity-temperature characteristic; Oil-air medium; Planetary gear; Temperature field; Load distribution coefficient; Viscosity-temperature characteristic
• ISSN: 0301-679X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2024.110062

In oil-lubricated environments, planetary gears typically operate under conditions of high speed, heavy load, and high oil temperatures. This can lead to excessive temperature rise on the gear surface and potentially cause lubrication failure. This work proposed a numerical calculation method for the temperature field of planetary gears, considering load distribution and the effects of an oil-air mixture. The Finite Element Method (FEM) was used to solve the load distribution between gears, and the results are combined with heat transfer theory to establish a frictional heat generation model for planetary gears. Oil-air mixture parameters are introduced to determine the convective heat transfer coefficient. A single-tooth temperature field model was established to investigate the effects of rotational speed, load, and oil temperature variations on the temperature field. Additionally, the impact of oil-air mixtures and different load distribution models on the temperature field was compared. •A mathematical analysis model of the planetary gear temperature field was established.•Impact of load distribution models on tooth surface frictional heat was studied.•Thermophysical parameters of the oil-air mixture medium were solved.•Applied heat flux boundary conditions using the strip area division method.•Revealed the variation patterns of the temperature field of planetary gears under the influence of operating parameters.