Addressing a methodology for NVH analysis and simulation of an automotive E-axle.

In this article the authors present a loaded tooth contact analysis (LTCA) method for asymmetric gears that provides an accurate and efficient design tool for analyzing and comparing designs. The presented method is implemented in SMT's MASTA software. The authors also present an example comparative study using this tool for an automotive application.

Attempts to eliminate mechanical drive trains in automobiles and trucks have had limited success because of cost, weight, dynamic characteristic, and efficiency of the alternative components.

Gear noise is a common evil any gear manufacturer must live with. It is often low enough not to be a major problem but, at times, gear whining may appear and then, tracking the source and, especially, curing the ill can be tricky at best.

Lately, the use of asymmetric gears in automotive and other applications is an upcoming trend, though few applications are known to have asymmetric teeth. However, an increased interest in asymmetric gears can be seen. Many companies have started to design and test such applications.

I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning, I saw the chief draftsman who said, "You're in charge of gears." And he walked away. Dumbfounded, I stared at the back of his head, and sat down at my drafting board. It was November, 1963, shortly after JFK was assassinated, and after I was discharged from the U.S. Army.

The first chapter from a new book by Dr. Hermann J. Stadtfeld provides an overview of the need for new technologies and approaches when it comes to developing transmissions for electric vehicles.

The design of gear blanks or flanges has traditionally been driven by weight reduction. Recently innovative companies have started to use the gear blank design to tune the system dynamics to reduce gear whine.

There's never been a better time to put the spotlight on e-drive transmissions and electric vehicles. They're obviously not just coming: they're already here. Just check out any auto show or showroom. That's why Gear Technology magazine is pleased to present the first installment in a series of chapters excerpted from Dr. Hermann J. Stadtfeld's newest book, "E-Drive Transmission Guide - New solutions for electric- and hybrid transmission vehicles."

This study deals with the modeling and consideration of misalignments in planetary gearboxes in the optimization and design process. Procedures for taking into account misalignments in cylindrical gearboxes are standardized and established in industry. Misalignments of central elements like carrier, sun gear or ring gear in planetary gearboxes, cause varying contact positions and variable loads, depending on the angular position of the central elements. This load, which is variable over the circumference, is not taken into account in the standardized procedures, despite its effects on the loads on the gears.