Modeling and analysis of nonlinear coupling of vehicle gearbox

In this paper, gear mesh excitation and bearing dynamic contact characteristics of gearbox are theoretically studied. Based on the finite element modeling of the shafts and casing, a method of co-simulation is put forward. The modeling and simulation of gearbox is achieved by combining multi-body dynamics and lumped mass method. Gear time-varying meshing stiffness, backlash, also bearing contact time-varying stiffness and time-varying damping are considered in the model. Nonlinear coupling of flexible casing and shafts is analysed by simulating the established model. The result shows that the nonlinear coupling of shafts and flexible casing significantly affects the dynamic characteristics of the gearbox.