Torcional Vibration Reduction in Geared Systems via Metamaterials

• Grant number: 24/21013-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanics of Solids
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo Nicoletti
• Grantee: Rodrigo Nicoletti
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: José Roberto de França Arruda ; Patrick Bueno Lamas

Abstract

Gear transmission systems are mechanical systems designed to transmit motion between two shafts with a conversion of rotating speeds and torque. However, during operation, there is a torque oscillation that results in transmitted power losses and the appearance of a torsional excitation of the system. Consequently, one has a high noise level and the deterioration of the teeth contacting surfaces. When this torsional vibration is combined with backlash, fatigue, and teeth fracture can occur. For this reason, vibration-attenuating mechanisms in gear systems have been studied in the literature. In this sense, periodic systems tend to present regions of low vibratory response in their frequency spectrum called band gaps. This project aims to study the application of resonators mounted periodically on the gears to attenuate the torsional vibrations of the system. Due to limited space in gear transmission systems, the most natural location to mount the resonators is directly on the gear webs (radial periodic resonators). Hence, one has an embedded system capable of attenuating vibration in specific frequency ranges and easy to implement in gear systems of different mechanical applications. The proposed system will allow a more efficient operation of the machine due to the reduced levels of vibration expected (reduced energy losses for the environment). (AU)