Efficiency and temperature of spur gears using spray lubrication compared to dip lubrication. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andersson, Martin; Sosa, Mario; Olofsson, Ulf
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Volume 231:Number 11(2017:Nov.)
• Page Start: 1390
• Page End: 1396
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Spray lubrication -- gear efficiency -- gear temperature -- surface roughness; Tribology -- Periodicals; 621.89
• DOI: 10.1177/1350650117695709
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-6501

Abstract

Increased machine efficiency is a requirement in today's world and geared transmissions are no exception. A back-to-back gear test rig was used to compare dip lubrication with spray lubrication regarding gearbox efficiency, mesh efficiency, gear temperature and surface roughness. Gears lubricated at the inlet of the mesh show a lower measured temperature when compared to spray lubrication at the outlet of the mesh. Spray lubrication, when compared to dip lubrication, yields the same efficiency for both rotating directions at the tested speeds of 0.5 to 20 m/s. Spray lubrication shows a significantly higher total gearbox efficiency at higher speeds, higher measured tooth temperature and no measurable change in surface roughness.