Gear box design parameters optimization by sheep flock heridity model algorithm

Abstract

Gear reducer is a universally used mechanical element in various areas likes automobiles, machine tools, aircraft etc. A single speed gearbox has a gear pair with a constant speed ratio, contained in a separate casing and intended to reduce or increase the angular speed of the output shaft. In a multi-speed gearbox, the speed of the output shaft is varied in discrete steps; there may be increased or decreased speeds, from the input speed. newline When designing a gear reducer, there are many important factors to be considered such as lightweight, small size, high strength and durability. Gear reducer design involves the selection of material and geometry which satisfies individual and implied efficient requirements. In recent years competition exists among gearbox manufacturers to produce compact gearboxes. To survive in this market manufacturers focuses mainly on the design aspects. Hence, a modern gearbox design engineer must remember that, the main objective of the gearbox is to transmit higher power with comparatively lesser weight. The design is sound and economically viable if it meets the objective. newline The gear reducer and gearbox problem consists of determining the design variable such as module, gear thickness and number of teeth in order to optimize the design. A number of objective functions by which optimality of gearbox design include (1) Maximization of Power transmitted (2) Minimization of Weight and (3) weighted combination of different objective function. Several design conditions should be considered in the design of gearboxes: bending stress, compressive stress, shear stress, center distance and module etc. newline This research work is a step forward to achieve the best possible design. The research pertains to the optimization of the design variables for spur and helical gear drive and two stage speed gearbox. The above objectives are achieved by metaheuristic computational technique which provides systematic and efficient ways of creating and comparing new design solution