Abstract: The calculation of spiral bevel gear meshing stiffness is the foundation of dynamic analysis. An approximate sine or cosine series are applied for dynamic analysis, which influences the computational accuracy. Based on the theory of finite element analysis for spiral bevel gear with loaded contact, a computational method of spiral bevel gear meshing stiffness is developed, and the key technologies and pre-processing methods are given. A spiral bevel gear model with five teeth is constructed using ABAQUS software. The normal contact force and integrated elastic deformation are computed, and the meshing stiffness of single and multiple teeth are achieved considering the influence of difference loads. Computing results show that the loads have a major effect on the meshing stiffness amplitude and period, and that impacts of the loads on contact ratio and the contacting position need to be considered for the calculation of meshing stiffness. Comparing the results of the development calculation method with existing literatures for involutes spur meshing stiffness, the correctness of the meshing stiffness calculation method is verified, which lays the foundation of dynamic analysis for spiral bevel gear.

Key words: Finite element method, Loaded tooth contact analysis, Spiral bevel gear, Tooth stiffness