Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/L69824/01
Title:	NOVEL WORM GEAR DESIGNS
Principal Investigator:	Snidle, Professor RW
Other Investigators:	Evans, Professor HP
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Sch of Engineering
Organisation:	Cardiff University
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 March 1998	Ends:	28 February 2001	Value (£):	138,684
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Mech. & Fluid Power Transmiss.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Energy
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Worm gears have been used for many years as a relatively simple and cost-effective solution in low speed power transmission applications. The well-known problems of traditional worm designs are: low efficiency; relatively low power/weight ratio; and poor hydrodynamic lubrication conditions. These drawbacks are due to high sliding at the tooth contracts and the need to operate with a combination of hard/soft materials which limits allowable contact stress and hence tooth loading. In order to overcome these limitations novel worm and wheel designs are now being proposed along with the use of hardened steel for both worm and wheel. In order to fully exploit these new ideas and develop competitive designs it is necessary to provide a sound understanding of the geometry, kinematics, elastic contact behaviour and lubricant film generation.: this is the overall aim of the proposed research. The above aspects will be researched and the results synthesised into a usable set of design aids for the manufacturer. Fundamental work on the full analysis of elastohydrodynamic lubrication of the new designs will be carried out in order to validate the design aids. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with Newcastle University and the principal UK worm gear manufacturers.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.cf.ac.uk