Thermal modelling of an FZG test gearbox

Abstract: Gearboxes are always subject of study in order to increase their efficiency. Energy losses in gear contacts are transformed into heat which is distributed among the gearbox components increasing their temperature. A thermal model of the gearbox brings the opportunity of a deeper understanding of the heat dissipated related to the power losses in the gear contact. A MATLAB program based on ordinary differential equations was developed in order to make a thermal model of an FZG test gearbox. The model is based on a thermal network where each node represents a machine element. The thermal network is composed by thermal resistances due to deformation in the gear contact, conduction, convection and radiation. With thermal resistances, power losses and thermal inertia of each element, the temperature evolution was obtained by applying the First Principle of Thermodynamics. Due to the temperature evolution, heat transfer between different elements was estimated. Additionally, experimental results from an FZG test rig were implemented in the model and also used to verify its accuracy. Furthermore, additional features to the model such as a cooling system and spray lubrication were also studied. Results show a wide capability and handling of the program in terms of thermal analysis: heat flux direction and magnitude, visual tools such as thermal network of the test gearbox, as well as the analysis of different operating conditions. With these tools, an approach to the minimum amount of lubricant necessary and other ways to quench overheating could then be reached. Keywords: Thermal network, FZG gear test rig, heat flow, temperature, MATLAB, ODE.