The Tribo-Contact Dynamics Phenomenon in Torsional Impact of Loose Gears - Promoting Gear Rattle

The paper highlights one of the most significant concerns that has preoccupied powertrain engineers in recent times, namely gear rattle. The rattle problem is primarily induced by torsional impact dynamics of meshing teeth of loose gears. The phenomenon can occur under various loaded, lightly and unloaded conditions and it follows the instances of contact change between mating pairs. There are various forms of rattle, cited in literature, owing to the mechanism of manifestation and operating conditions. The paper is concerned with rattle conditions at low engine speeds and with loose lightly loaded gears.