Considering a Gear as a roller

[MoreOf]

Hi Guys,

I have been scouring books and the internet for a while as well as my university notes but I really can't find any information on why a roller can be used as a replacement for a gear. The situation is that I have to design a test rig to simulate two gears running together to investigate micropitting. All the journals I have read use rollers, but they don't justify why they are using rollers.

I understand that kinematically a roller is identical to a gear, however there are a few things where to me they just don't match up. For example the slide:roll ratio. So the question I am really asking is how are they similar and are there any sources that can prove this?

Sorry if this is in the wrong section, I did see the warning "Do NOT post homework", this is not homework although I can see why it would be considered as such (Its research I am doing for my "project ie dissertation).

I would appreciate any help possible.

Thank you

 

[Achy47]

for your post and for reaching out for help with your research. I can understand your frustration in not being able to find clear information on why rollers are used as a replacement for gears in certain situations.

To answer your question, rollers are often used as a replacement for gears because they offer several advantages in terms of design, functionality, and cost. Here are a few reasons why rollers are preferred over gears:

1. Reduced friction and wear: Rollers have a larger contact area with the mating surface compared to gears, which reduces the pressure and friction between the two components. This results in less wear and tear, and ultimately increases the lifespan of the machinery.

2. Higher load-carrying capacity: Rollers distribute the load over a larger area, which allows them to carry heavier loads compared to gears. This is especially beneficial in applications where high torque is required.

3. Lower noise and vibration: Due to their larger contact area and smoother surface, rollers produce less noise and vibration compared to gears. This makes them ideal for applications where noise and vibration levels need to be kept to a minimum.

4. Cost-effective: Rollers are typically less expensive to manufacture compared to gears, making them a more cost-effective option for certain applications.

In terms of similarity, rollers and gears both transmit motion and power between two rotating components. They both have a circular shape and use teeth or ridges to engage with each other. The main difference lies in the way they transmit the motion and power - gears use teeth while rollers use a cylindrical surface.

I would recommend looking into engineering journals and textbooks on machine design and tribology (the study of friction, wear, and lubrication) for more information on the similarities and differences between rollers and gears. Additionally, you can also reach out to experts in the field or conduct experiments yourself to further understand the similarities and differences between the two components.

I hope this helps with your research and good luck with your project!