Abstract
The research hereby introduces a novel approach to reduce tooth bending stress using a parametric numeric simulation. This Finite Element Method (FEM) is used to determine optimal design variables for an asymmetric root profile of a helical gear defined by a rational cubic Bezier curve. The gear is first modelled using a machine design software and later implemented into a 3D computer aided design (CAD) package to modify the root spline geometry using a script. A nonlinear relationship exists between the design variables and tooth bending stress. Additionally, certain trends exist between the design variables to exhibit a more optimal root profile. The simulation results show that the proposed method is feasible as the general optimization process results in significant bending stress reduction. The numerical simulation demonstrates that bending stress can be reduced by as much as 10.75% by the proposed approach.