This paper describes an efficient transient elastohydrodynamic simulation method for gear contacts. The model uses oil films and elastic deformations directly in the multibody simulation, and is based on the Reynolds equation including squeeze and wedge terms as well as an elastic half-space. Two transient solutions to this problem, an analytical and a numerical one, were developed. The analytical solution is accomplished using assumptions for the gap shape and the pressure in the middle of the gap. The numerical problem is solved using multilevel multi-integration algorithms. With this approach, tooth impacts during gear rattling as well as highly loaded power-transmitting gear contacts can be investigated and lubrication conditions like gap heights or type of friction may be determined. The method was implemented in the multibody simulation environment SIMPACK. Therefore it is easy to transfer the developed element to other models and use it for a multitude of different engineering problems. A detailed three-dimensional elastic multibody model of an experimental transmission is used to validate the developed method. Important values of the gear contact like normal and tangential forces, proportion of dry friction, and minimum gap heights are calculated and studied for different conditions. In addition, pressure distributions on tooth flanks as well as gap forms are determined based on the numerical solution method. Finally, the simulation approach is validated with measurements and shows good consistency. The simulation model is therefore capable of predicting transient gear contact under different operating conditions such as load vibrations or gear rattling. Simulations of complete transmissions are possible and therefore a direct determination of transmission vibration behavior and structure-borne noise as well as of forces and lubrication conditions can be done.
