The Three-Dimensional Dynamics for Toroidal Drive

Abstract

In this paper, a model to simulate the dynamic behavior of the toroidal drive is developed. The three-dimensional dynamic model includes all six rigid body motions of the stator, worm, rotor and the planets. Using the model, the natural frequencies and vibration modes of the drive system are investigated. The vibration modes are classified into single modes and coupled modes. The single modes include planet mode, worm mode and stator mode. The vibration and frequency characteristics of different modes are obtained. The relation between modes and half cone angle of the planet tooth is discussed. The relation between vibrations and bearing stiffness is also discussed. When the bearing stiffness is about 10 times of the mesh stiffness, some vibration displacements of the drive system are quite small and can be neglected. Meanwhile, the dynamic equations for the drive system can be simplified.