Coefficient of Friction Behavior of Gear Oils and Significance for the Meshing Process of Spur Gears

The mechanical properties of oils are determined using test methods. There are standardized test methods for determining viscosity and density. The characterization of transmission oil based on its dynamic viscosity alone is not sufficient for the physical explanation of different levels of noise emissions in vehicle transmissions. For this reason, the test procedure for determining the coefficient of friction is used in the following to enable a further differentiation between the oils according to mechanical properties.

In gear transmissions with involute gear teeth, rolling friction occurs in the gear pair meshing along the line of action due to the variation in the equivalent curvature radii throughout the meshing cycle. This is rolling friction on which a sliding friction component, so-called slip, is superimposed. Pure rolling friction only occurs in the pitch point. From the pitch point to the start and end of the meshing, there is a superimposed sliding friction component that increases with increasing distance from the pitch point. Slip values occur in the range of 5–50% depending on tooth geometry.

These friction conditions during tooth flank lubrication can be assessed using the Stribeck curve. The Stribeck curve represents the coefficient of friction as a function of the speed. A mini traction machine from PCS Instruments with a ball/plate measurement setup was used to determine the coefficient of friction behavior of gear oils. This allows the coefficient of friction of an oil to be assessed at low speeds in the range from boundary and mixed friction to elastohydrodynamic fluid friction at high speeds.