Effect of Particle Friction Coefficient on Vibration Reduction in Gear Transmission

Background Particle damping materials convert the kinetic energy of the system into other forms of energy through friction and collision between particles and between the particles and container wall. Gear transmission is advancing toward higher speeds, heavier loads, and lower noise. Purpose In order to reduce the vibration in the gear transmission without changing the original structure, particle damping is used in the paper. Methods The equivalent displacement mapping of the gear contact load from the non-continuous domain to continuous element nodes was realized using the combined gear dynamics and discrete element method (DEM). Furthermore, the bidirectional transfer of load boundary conditions in the continuous domain and displacement boundary conditions in the discrete element domain were realized in the same calculation model. Results At low rotating speeds, the best vibration reduction occurred at the particle friction coefficient of approximately 0.43. At high rotating speeds, the best vibration reduction occurred at the particle friction coefficient of approximately 0.22. Conclusions The vibration acceleration of the gear decreases significantly after the particle damper is added, confirming its vibration damping effect. This research has significant potential for vibration and noise reduction in gear transmission systems.