Analysis of gear reducer housing using the finite element method

The housing is an important component in the construction of gear reducers, having the role of fixing the relative position of the shafts and toothed wheels. At the same time, the housing takes over, via the bearings, the shaft loads resulting when the toothed wheel is engaging another toothed mechanism (i.e. power transmission through belts or chains), and conveys them to the foundation on which it is anchored. In this regard, in order to ensure the most accurate gearing, a high stiffness of the housing is required. In this paper, we present the computer-aided 3D modelling of the housing (in cast version) of a single stage cylindrical gear reducer, using the Autodesk Inventor Professional software, on the principle of constructive sizing. For the housing resistance calculation, we carried out an analysis using the Autodesk Simulation Mechanical software to apply the finite element method, based on the actual loads, as well as a comparative study of the stress and strain distribution, for several tightening values of the retaining bolts that secure the cover and the foundation housing.