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Ultra‐high molecular weight high‐density polyethylene as a gear material
Author(s) -
Yelle Henri,
Poupard Maurice
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.760150207
Subject(s) - lubrication , materials science , backlash , composite material , polyethylene , mechanical engineering , engineering
Tests have been made for use of a high‐density polyethylene of ultra‐high molecular weight as a gear material. The gears had a diametral pitch of 10 and 30 teeth. They were tested in mesh with a steel gear of the same size in two operating conditions: (1) in still air without lubrication, and (2) in oil with generous lubrication. The effects of speed, temperature, and initial lubrication on the load capacity of the gears were tested and an equation was developed to express the limits of these gears operating without lubrication. In the lubricated conditions, the influence of oil flow and its temperature on the gear teeth temperature were evaluated. The wear of the plastic gear was measured in both operating conditions and wear rate was calculated as a function of the load and gear life. Curves are presented suggesting design limits of the gears in the two operating conditions. There are also recommendations on the center distance setting and the backlash to use.