Computational fluid dynamics simulation of geared transmissions with injection lubrication

Abstract

In recent years, the computational fluid dynamics method has developed into very useful tools for investigating the oil flow and the no-load losses in geared transmissions. It has neither restriction on the housing shape nor limitations on the lubrication configuration. For this work, a computational fluid dynamics method model based on the finite volume method of a single-stage, injection-lubricated gearbox was built. The influence of different parameters including the injection volume, oil viscosity, and gear speed on the oil supply and distribution were investigated. The results also include a comparison of the simulated no-load losses with empirical no-load loss equations. This work provides first results on computational fluid dynamics method investigations of injection-lubricated geared transmissions and a starting point for comprehensive validation and more complex modeling.