Failure Models for Transmission Gears Health Monitoring Cranfield University

Overview

This Failure Models for Transmission Gears Health Monitoring programme offered by Cranfield University investigates the development of a failure model capable of representing the combined effects of surface and bending failures in transmission gears. The research addresses limitations in existing approaches, which typically consider scuffing, pitting, and bending fatigue separately despite the possibility that multiple failure mechanisms can occur simultaneously during operation. The project aims to improve useful life prediction by creating a more representative description of gear degradation under varying operating conditions.

Key Facts

The work includes the formulation of a theoretical framework supported by gear failure mathematics, followed by comparison with existing failure theories. A simulation environment will then be developed to evaluate performance under different combinations of loading, speed, lubrication, and other critical operational parameters. The final stage involves experimental validation using real gears. The project is conducted within the Through-life Engineering Services (TES) Centre, which specialises in condition monitoring, damage tolerance, and asset management.