Contact analysis and load distribution of double-envelop hourglass worm gearing affected by errors and load

An approach for the contact analysis and load distribution of double-envelop hourglass worm gearing is presented, which is based on a 3-D elastic contact finite element method (FEM) model that accommodates the influence of errors and load. As compared with existing tooth contact analysis model that assumes rigidity for the contacting surfaces, the proposed model provides a more realistic analysis on the contact patterns, the distribution of contact load and transmission errors. It is also capable of exploring the influence of different errors on meshing performances, the contact deformation, the shift of the contact zone and load share among the meshing tooth-pairs under different load.