Session: CIE-07-02 - CAPPD: Computer-Aided Product and Process Development

Paper Number: 97542

97542 - Polymer Strain Wave Gear Pilot Study Based on Finite Element Analysis 

This paper studies the feasibility of using polymer for strain wave gear based on finite element analysis. The FEA model is a sample metal strain wave gear design. It considers the three-dimensional tooth surfaces with conjugated tooth profile and its modifications. The model has been verified by the metal strain wave gear’s contact pattern testing. Three types of high-performance polymers used for traditional solid gears have been studied for the strain wave gear design. The simulation results show that polymer can reduce the strain wave gear’s deformation induced stress by up to 98%, and torque induced stress by up to 70% at rated torque. The polymer strain wave gear’s torsional stiffness is lower than metal, and the transmission error at different torque is characterized by the FEA simulation. Polymer has unique advantages when used for strain wave gears than used for solid gears. It is due to strain wave gear’s operating theory. Polymer’s flexibility will directly reduce the stress induced by flexspline’s designed deformation, and reduce the stress induced by torque load due to the contact ratio’s increase. Together with properties such as light weight, high specific strength, self-lubrication, and low material and manufacturing cost, high performance polymer is an ideal material candidate for strain wave gears.

Presenting Author: Zhiyuan Yu Miami University

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Zhiyuan Yu is an Assistant Professor of Engineering Technology at Miami University since<br/>Aug., 2019. Prior to joining Miami University, he was an Assistant Teaching Professor of<br/>Mechanical Engineering Technology at Pennsylvania State University from 2017 to 2019. He<br/>has developed a strong interest in undergraduate engineering education and has been teaching a<br/>wide range of courses in ME/MET department.<br/>He received his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Technological<br/>University in 2017. His research interests include linkage kinematics, computational mechanics,<br/>and modern theory of gearing. His research in gear transmission have been applied in robotics,<br/>marine transmissions, machine tools, and construction machinery.

Authors: