Because of the high loads and repetitive contact, gear tooth wear is typical in service. The intricate design of the gear teeth allows a smooth contact transition throughout the gear, decreasing wear. This article will go through the many forms of gear wear and how they occur.
The Different Types of Gear Wear-
Running in wear
This sort of gear wear happens when the gears begin to mesh during operation. Running wear causes the gear teeth to settle and distribute the weight by reducing imperfections during meshing. Because of wear, the surface roughness of the tooth flank becomes smooth. This wear has the illusion of a mirror-like flawless surface.
Moderate Gear wear
Again, this is a common sort of gear wear. Moderate wear happens when the gear has been in use for an extended period of time, often in the second half of its design life. Moderate wear should be characterised by consistent wear, with all gear teeth losing material from both the addendum and dedendum.
Abrasive wear
The loss of material caused by the presence of hard particles, such as metallic debris, is referred to as abrasive wear. The hard particles will be suspended in the lubricant and picked up by the gear tooth as it passes through it. This wear mechanism is visually reflected by radial scratches on the mating gear. In severe circumstances, it might result in the sharpening of the gear tooth.
Scratching/scoring can be seen when we look further into abrasive wear. Scratching/scoring produces fine grooves with an uneven look that run in the direction of sliding. Scratching/scoring can be caused by the plowing action of hard asperities.
Scuffing
Scuffing occurs when the lubricating coating above the tooth fails during high-load activities. The breakdown of the lubricant causes high temperature, resulting in localized welding with the material transfer. Scuffing manifests as rough edges on the tooth tops, and the point of contact when sliding is at its most severe.
Indentation
Indentation is a tiny region of plastic deformation to the tooth surfaces. Indentation, like abrasive wear, is caused by a hard particle in the lubricant being rolled over by contacting gears. Because of the tremendous contact stress, the hard particle plastically deforms the tooth and indents the gear. With their distinct look, indentations are easy to spot. The exact appearance will be determined by the qualities and size of the trapped particle. Indentation is frequently a secondary damage mechanism caused by other component failures, such as bearings that let debris into the fluid.
Rippling
Rippling are ridges that form in the perpendicular action of sliding and are typically visible on tooth sides. The ridges resemble mud that has been stirred by wind but in a much smaller size. The ridges are undulating in character rather than straight. Rippling is caused by excessive loading on the tooth.
Pitting
Pitting is a surface fatigue phenomenon that happens when rolling, or a combination of rolling and sliding contacts are present. Small pieces of the material break off, giving the impression of dispersed holes. Pitting is caused by high contact stresses that exceed the material’s fatigue strength and repetitive loading. Pitting can have a negative impact if it extends throughout the whole contact surface, resulting in seizing surfaces.
Summary
Many distinct forms of gear wear have been mentioned in this article; however, there are others that still need to be covered. People trust your business, and to maintain that trust, you have to keep your machines running at their best and use only the best products when it comes to maintenance. Stay tuned with GRENVO for more such informative and insightful blogs. Also, don’t forget to check out the top-of-the-line product offerings to keep your gears running at their best.
