Virtual prototype technology based fatigue life analysis of gears

A virtual prototype of a certain caterpillar drive system is established based on virtual prototype technology in the article, the dynamic load spectrums in operation on different work sections of drive system gears are obtained through a simulation riding test. Applying finite element technology on three-dimensional contact stress dynamic analysis, the course of contact stress in flank of tooth area and bending stress in root of tooth area changes following time has been got for drive system. Load spectrum of full-life periodicity for drive system gears is obtained using fatigue reliability theory, fatigue reliability analysis of gears is then employed. Thus fatigue life of drive system gears under various work conditions and different degree of confidence is obtained conveniently too, which can provide a theoretical basic for optimum structure design, maintenance and life prediction of gear system.