The Durability and Reliability of Variators for a Dual-cavity Full-toroidal CVT

A full-toroidal CVT has been expected as a new generation of transmission. However, high contact pressure is needed to generate traction force and temperature due to shear in contact areas becomes very high. Therefore, the fatigue life of variator is insufficient. This paper describes the application of developed bearing steel to improve the fatigue life of the varitator. Failure due to pitting depends on a film parameter Λ so that the limitation of Λ to prevent failure has been determined by a two roller test machine. Durability test of the variator made of developed bearing steel with the larger Λ than the limitation has been carried out to confirm the prevention of pitting by a dual-cavity full-toroidal CVT's variator test rig. The thickness of EHD (Elastohydrodynamic) fluid film has also been calculated by isothermal Newtonian EHD analysis with spin motion to confirm whether adequate film thickness is provided to avoid failure.