ABSTRACT
This study investigates the lifetime prediction of gearbox housing when it suffers excitation from polygonal wheel, and the cause that leads to cracking of gearbox housing is investigated in the same time. At first, a vehicle dynamic model including gear transmission system and gearbox housing finite element model is set up. Secondly, line test and modal analysis to gearbox housing are carried out. Then, load spectrum and stress spectrum are established for fatigue analysis. At last, Miner accumulated damage theory and strength analyses are applied for lifetime prediction of gearbox housing. The results show that the 20th polygonal wheel is a key cause that leads to abnormal vibration and the cracking of gearbox housing. Fatigue problem should be considered when investigating the cracking of gearbox housing. Lifetime of gearbox housing significantly decrease with the increase of the polygonal amplitude, which provides reference for removal and maintenance of gearbox.
