Finite Element Analysis of Input Gears in a Gearbox of Combine Harvester

The input gears from the first stage of a combine harvester gearbox have been subjected to experimental testing. A three-dimensional finite element model was established by using Solid Works and the effect of an external load distribution along the gear tooth width was added according to actual working situations. In the Solid Works/Simulation module, the contact relation was established based on the real assembly relations, and to calculate Von Mises stress, on the teeth. Through modal analysis, the gears teeth frequency was analyzed contrastively with the inherent model of the transmission and analyzed the influence of them. The experiment was carried out in the self-made gearbox fatigue test bed. The results indicate that serious pitting appeared on the surface of the teeth when the working time was over 500 hours and the input gears were not measurably distorted, which basically coincides with the analyzed results of the theory.