Abstract: The mixed finite element method proposed by ref. [1] for elastic contact problems is extended to solving three-dimension problems, and the computer program is made by means of FORTRAN. The three-dimension finite element method is initiatively used for the strength analysis of worm gearing. As an example, the contact forces and their distribution on the contact line of φ1=0° is calculated under an outside load of p=2000N, and the distribution of resultant rigidity of the worm and wheel on the contact line of φ1=0°is also calculated. Furthermore, the rigidity distributions on three contact lines of φ1=-40°,0°,50° are computed respectively on the wheel tooth surface. The results demonstrate a “U” distribution of the load on the contact line.

Key words: 接触线, 啮合区, 载荷分布