[2D3] Effect of alternating torque load in vibration analysis of a two-stage gearbox

J Laurila, K Karioja, M Pylvänäinen and T Liedes
University of Oulu, Finland 

In gearbox vibration monitoring, some well-known methods of vibration analysis are widely used. In most standards and handbooks, one of the recognised aspects regarding analysis is rotational speed and its effect on the vibrational behaviour of the gearbox. However, the effects of alternating torque are often given slightly less attention in these sources. This paper addresses the effect of torque levels on gearbox vibration. Furthermore, it discusses whether or not it is possible to determine the change in stress or torque levels based on vibration measurements alone. Insights are also presented on the selection of a suitable signal and frequency range for stress level evaluation. The analysis and results are based on experiments conducted using a dynamometer test-bench.