ABSTRACT
In most industrial environments, the problem of gear noise is ever present. For example, machine tools, motor generators, vehicles, packaging- and product-handling equipment, etc., all include one or more gear trains. Despite the numerous and troublesome aspects, little data or design information has been published with respect to the source of gear noise or its control. Why some gear designs are quiet and others noisy has plagued mechanical engineers since their inception. Except for the identification of principal noise sources and some qualitative rank ordering of noise levels associated with gear types, the design or acoustical engineer has few guidelines to follow in control of gear noise. In short, programs of rather extensive testing involving elaborate electronic measurement and analysis systems are usually required in dealing with gear noise reduction. There are, however, some basic design guidelines, and with these guidelines, a systematic approach to gear noise control can be developed.
