OPTIMUM DESIGN OF A SPEED REDUCER

The problem of optimizing an existing two step helical gear speed reducer designed for a steel mill in Iran is formulated. The resulting constrained minimization mathematical programming problem is solved using one of the SUMT methods due to Fiacco and McCormick. Both interior and exterior penalty functions are used to convert the problem to one of unconstrained minimization and the solution is approached through a series of acceptable designs. The optimization is carried out first for maximizing horsepower for fixed overall dimensions, and next for minimizing the weight of moving parts (gears and shafts) for given horsepower.