Comparative analysis of actuator concepts for active gear pair vibration control

Four actuation concepts for the active suppression of gearbox housing mesh frequency vibrations due to transmission error excitation from the gear pair system are modelled and compared by computing the required actuation forces and amplifier power spectra. The proposed designs studied consist of (1) active inertial actuators positioned tangentially on the gear body to produce a pair of reactive force and moment, (2) semi-active gear–shaft torsional coupling to provide tuned vibration isolation and suppression, (3) active bearing vibration control to reduce vibration transmissibility, and (4) active shaft transverse vibration control to suppress/tune gearbox casing or shaft response. Numerical simulations that incorporate a transmission error term as the primary excitation are performed using a finite element model of the geared rotor system (dynamic plant) constructed from beam and lumped mass/stiffness elements. Several key comparison criteria including the required actuation effort, control robustness and implementation cost are examined, and the advantages and disadvantages of each concept are discussed. Based on the simulated data, the active shaft transverse vibration control scheme is identified as the most suitable approach for this application.