On the origin of chaos in gearbox models (Q1111050)

Irregular, chaotic motions may be observed in nearly every nonlinear dynamic system. In recent years a number of models of deterministic technical systems have been studied which show chaotic behavior. One specific problem is the dynamics of gearboxes, where due to unavoidable backlash between the meshing teeth, impacts and hence irregular motion takes place especially at the load-free wheels. Up to now most results on this problems are obtained by means of simulations. The authors discuss the origin of chaos in a gearbox model from a theoretical point of view. The mapping considered belongs to the class of Fermi accelerator models well known in the dynamics literature. The authors do not present any quantitative or detailed information on the dynamics of gearboxes. Therefore, the paper is more suggestive than specific.