An Experimental Investigation of Churning Power Losses of a Gearbox

In this study, load-independent (spin) power losses of a gearbox operating under dip-lubrication conditions are investigated experimentally using a final-drive helical gear pair from an automotive transmission as the example system. A dedicated gearbox is developed to operate a single gear or a gear pair under given speed and temperature conditions. A test matrix that consists of sets of tests with (i) single gears (spur, helical, or representative disks with no teeth), and (ii) helical gear pairs is executed at various temperatures, immersion depths and pinion positions relative to its mating gear. Power losses from single gears and gear pairs at identical operating conditions are compared to quantify the components of the total spin loss in the form of losses due to gear drag, gear mesh pocketing, and bearings and seals.