Technology of Gear Shaping of Face Gear and Experimental Studies

Face gear is the major parts of helicopter transmissions for split torque equipment. The process generation of face gear is critical factors to prevent the face gear drive to be applied. A novice method is proposed for face gear generated by use of a general shaper. Face gear design and geometry were investigated that include tooth generation, limiting inner and outer radii, tooth contact analysis of gear drive. A face gear with 89 teeth was generated successfully by the shaper. In order to demonstrate the bearing contact of face gear drive, an experimental investigation was also developed in the bevel gear meshing machine. The results show the bearing contact of face gear drive is correspondence to the computerized design, which validated the feasibility of face gear shaping by a general shaper.