Durability assessment of cracked low speed spur gears

This paper focuses on the application of finite element methods and durability analyses to predict the life of cracked gearing under routine operating conditions. Two and three dimensional (2D and 3D) models of meshing gear teeth have been analysed to understand the propagation characteristics of cracks in the root region. Sensitivity analyses are reported to estimate the critical crack length and remaining life for cracked spur gear teeth under various operating conditions. The paper also discusses a possible approach to assess cracked gearing from a practical perspective.