Marine Gearing Analysis
Comparison of similarities between two stress analysis methods: computer-aided FEA and photoelasticity (2% Circular white light, 0 degree principle stress angle)
In this case study, a hypothetical client approaches us to diagnose the cause of why the gears in a high-speed marine gearbox broke easier than expected. Hence, I ran a FEA analysis of the gear tooth and compared to the photoelasticity results to locate the area where cracking most likely happens.
Role
Mechanical Analyst
Highlights
The FEA results from ANSYS closely match the data I calculated from the photoelasticity images, with stresses reach up to 133 MPa.
This was my first project where FEA stress analysis is the primary focus. This project taught me how to use ANSYS, how it works, and why it is a powerful tool.
Calculated the principle stress difference using the fringe order derived from the photoelasticity images.
Tools
ANSYS Mechanical | Camera | Calculator
Isoclinic patterns at 2%, 3%, and 4% load respectively. Notice the increasing pattern complexity with each load increase.