Design optimisation of mating helical gears with profile shift using nature inspired algorithms

ABSTRACT

Profile shift of the gear significantly affects its form, zone, stress factors, transversal and face load factors. In this paper, an optimum solution to the problem of mating helical gears design considering profile shift is given. The objective of the problem is to minimise volume taking into account tooth root bending strength, contact pressure, face width, and addendum modification coefficients as constraints. The design variables, namely, the module, the face width, the number of teeth, and profile shift coefficients of both gears are considered. Nature-inspired algorithms, namely, Simulated Algorithm (SA), Fire Fly Algorithm (FA), Cuckoo Search (CS), Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) and Teaching Learning-Based Optimisation (TLBO) algorithms are employed. Results of simulation with and without profile shift, performance of various algorithms are analysed and validated with literature. Results show that CS and PSO algorithms give the best optimum volume. They also significantly reduce volume by 1.91%, when compared to literature. CS algorithm gives the best optimum design parameters. Furthermore, results show the volume of the mating helical gears with profile shift is much lesser than the pair without profile shift.

KEYWORDS:

• Design OPTIMISATION
• helical gear
• profile shift
• nature inspired algorithms
• TLBO

Disclosure statement

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

N. Godwin Raja Ebenezer

N. Godwin Raja Ebenezer received his B.E. (Mechanical Engg.) from Madurai Kamaraj University, M.B.A from Bharathiyar University and M.E. (CAD) from Periyar University, Tamil nadu, India. He also obtained his Ph.D (Robotics) from Anna University, Chennai, India. Now he is working as Professor in the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Loyola ICAM College of Engineering and Technology, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. He has eleven publications in journals. His research areas are Machine elements design and Non-conventional optimization.

S. Ramabalan

S. Ramabalan received his B.E. (Mechanical Engg.) from Madras University, and M.E. (CAD/CAM) from Madurai Kamaraj University, Tamil nadu, India. He also obtained his Ph.D (Robotics) from Anna University, Chennai, India. Now he is working as Professor in the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, EGS Pillay Engineering College, Nagapattinam,Tamilnadu, India. He has more than sixty publications in various journals to his credit. His research areas are Robotics and Non-conventional optimization.

S. Navaneethasanthakumar

S. Navaneethasanthakumar received his B.E. (Mechanical Engg.) and M.E. (Engg Design) from Bharathiar University,  Tamil nadu, India. He also obtained his Ph.D (Robotics) from Anna University, Chennai, India. Now he is working as Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Subramanya College of Engineering and Technology, Palani, Tamilnadu, India. He has eight publications in journals. His research areas are Robotics and optimization.