SEVERAL methods of testing the gears used on heavy-duty transmissions are discussed here.
An important feature of these tests, according to the authors, is the degree to which they correlate with actual field experience.
In this connection they emphasize that laboratory tests will never completely replace field tests, however, because 100% correlation between the two types of tests can never be achieved.
The authors explain that the laboratory tests should, nevertheless, allow new gear designs to be developed that are closer to being right the first time and that require less time to correct any failures that show up in the field.