Dynamical modeling of spur gear with pitting based on image processing tooth surface

Reliable dynamic model of gear system with pitting can be utilized to investigate the effects of surface pitting on vibration response and to identify its severity. In this study, a dynamic model with pitting based on image processing is proposed, and pitting is simulated through the discrete tooth surface. The contact points are modeled by a network of linear springs with different stiffness in parallel. The revised mesh stiffness is calculated and a new mesh stiffness calculation method with surface pitting is proposed, which combines pixel matrix with mesh stiffness to improve the accuracy and efficiency of calculation. The dynamic model is validated by comparison with experimental test signals under different rotations and pitting states. As the Hilbert–Huang transform energy spectrum method has been applied for the detection of the vibration signals with small pitting areas, the signal characteristics caused by pitting can be well represented based on the statistical indicators and energy spectrum.