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Loaded Gear Tooth Contact Analysis Theory

Course Description

Format: Live Online Virtual Training

Date: July 15, 2027

  • Thursday, July 15 – 12:00-4:00pm ET 

Advanced Level

Loaded Tooth Contact Analysis involves application of dedicated FEA to gear teeth and components. This course evaluates loaded gear teeth for contact and development of tooth modifications, (Microgeometry). It uses commercially available software examples to calculate and apply realistic load distribution factors, Km, in gear rating calculations and reduce transmission error. Precise calculated modifications to the helix, (crown and taper), correct for loaded gear drive component deflections to improve mesh face contact and calculate a realistic Km rating load distribution factor. Precise calculated tip relief to the profile reduces transmission error from loaded tooth deflections and avoids tooth tip to root interference. Two real life gearing examples will be reviewed in the course, one will have a cantilever mounted pinion, the other is a shaft pinion straddled non-symmetrically by bearings. Both examples demonstrate component and tooth deflections under load which significantly reduce tooth mesh contact and increase transmission error which is then corrected with developed helix and profile modifications. Information is provided to create an Excel Spreadsheet which displays values for precise microgeometry for circular modifications in a table form to satisfy the ISO 1328 accuracy standard. Other gear performance optimization tools will also be presented, Material and Heat Treatment Selection, Profile Shift, Isotropic Finishing, Shot Peening, Accuracy. These design tools along with LTCA are commonly applied by gear designers to optimize design reliability and calculated rating safety factors.

This course is online. A webcam on your computer equipped with a microphone and speakers/headset are required for participation. Space is limited to 20-25 participants per course. Course materials will be mailed in hard copy. Please make sure to indicate your preferred mailing address in the registration process.

Registration Rates

Early Bird Registrant – $350
(Deadline until 4/14/27)

Regular Registrant – $375
(Deadline: 4/15/27 – 6/17/27)

Late Registrant – $390
(Deadline: 6/18/27 – 7/1/27)

NON-MEMBER RATE

Early Bird Registrant – $450
(Deadline until 4/14/27)

Regular Registrant – $475
(Deadline: 4/15/27 – 6/17/27)

Late Registrant – $490
(Deadline: 6/18/27 – 7/1/27)

You will earn 3.5 clock hours upon completion of the course and they will be listed on your certificate of completion.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the need and process for performing Loaded Tooth Contact Analysis and describe the theory behind the contact analysis process
  • Model the loaded gear mesh shafts, bearings and gear geometry in commercially available dedicated gearing “FEA” software to calculate magnitude and direction of tooth deflections and deformations.
  • Develop and apply tooth profile and helix modifications that compensate for tooth, shaft and bearing deflections, reducing transmission error and optimizing power density
  • Describe the tools and processes of contact analysis
  • Review cantilever pinion example of contact analysis and corrective action
  • Review non-symmetrical bearing mounted shaft pinion example of contact analysis and corrective action
  • Present contact analysis Do’s and Don’ts
  • Review other gear performance optimization tools

Who Should Attend

Gear design engineers who are interested in developing state of the art competitive gear designs which provide optimized power density. This course would be of interest to experienced gear manufacturing engineers, inspectors, quality assurance, setup technicians and operators to better understand complex gear geometry, micro-geometry, helix and profile modifications called out on high performance, optimized gear drawings. Designed microgeometry must be properly applied and verified by tangential inspection.

Instructors

Terry Klaves

Terry Klaves semi-retired from the Milwaukee Gear Division of Regal Beloit in 2017 after 45 years of work in the gearing industry with four different companies, positions varying from gear engineer to VP of Engineering and responsibilities including gear design, optimization, manufacturing and Quality Assurance.  He has a passion for solving gearing related problems and continues to serve the gearing industry as part time consultant and trainer for AGMA, in addition, he is Chairman of the AGMA TC-60 Committee, contributing to development of ISO gearing standards.  Terry graduated with a BS-Engineering in 1976 and a MS-Engineering from UW-Milwaukee in 1981 and enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for gears through formal consulting and training activities.

Photo Release

From time to time MPMA uses photographs, survey answers and testimonial of MPMA events in its promotional materials. Unless this permission is revoked in writing to the MPMA, by virtue of your attendance all attendees agree to the use of their likeness in such materials.

Cancellation and Payment Policy

Please view our cancellation policy.

Please view our late registration policy.

Please view our code of conduct.