Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 April 2013
This paper presents an approach for obtaining an optimized geometry for the flank of atooth by minimizing the equivalent contact stress. The stress calculation method is basedon Hertz theory. As the majority of tooth profiles are involute, the geometric variationof the flank of the tooth is achieved variationally relative to the involute profile. Theoptimum profile is obtained by Monte Carlo simulation. During this optimization, apolynomial expression of the tooth geometry is used. The parameters influencing thesimulation are the four characteristic contact points. The approach presented has beenapplied in a representative case. A study of the geometric sensitivity was conducted onthe optimized tooth profile. Two different approaches were considered: by Monte Carlosimulation and analytical propagation. The robust and linear nature of the behavior of thetooth profile was demonstrated when it was subjected to geometric variations.