An Experimental Investigation on Aerospace Quality Gears Operating in Loss of Lubrication Condition

This paper shows the results of an experimental study carried out on spur gears for aerospace applications operating in loss of lubrication. The aim of this work was to establish a baseline for gear behavior under oil off conditions. A total amount of 40 tests were performed with gears made from 2 materials operating at different levels of sliding speed and contact pressure. In some cases the bulk temperature was measured to evaluate the heating of the running gear. A more relevant wear and heating of the gears was observed with the increase of the contact pressure rather than with the increase of the sliding speed. In all the tests the transmission was able to transfer the required power. However some tests were stopped before the required time because of the overcoming of the rig safety threshold. The results showed a different oil off time depending on the material.