Abstract:
A slewing drive actuator is a power / torque transmission mechanism that gives controlled
power / torque output for rotation in desired axis while safely carrying radial & axial loading.
These are mainly used for regulating & controlling precise motion in control applications.
Applications may include heavy hydraulic machinery, drilling equipment, retraction / extension
mechanism, helicopter transmission etc. Slewing actuators function with worm drive technology.
The rotation of the worm turns the gear about an axis normal to the axis of the worm decreasing
the speed of the gear and increasing its torque. For increased loading requirements including
working arrangements with shock loads, smoother operation & higher efficiency, globoid
(double-enveloping) worm drive may be used. Globoid worm gear sets have both members
throated; the worm is also curved longitudinally to fit the curvature of wheel. The current
research study deals with a single axis slew drive lift actuator, whose desired operational data is
known & the emphasis is to design the globoid worm gear drive which will satisfactorily
perform the desired function. The load rating (load carrying capacity & efficiency) of globoid
worm gear pair is calculated by applying mathematical and analytical approach. The calculation
of gear tooth geometry & gearing parameters necessary for manufacturing & analysis are
determined by following the AGMA gear standards. Parametric modeling of globoid worm gear
drive is done in Pro-E Wildfire 4.0 using gear parameters & relations and the motion actuator
assembly is modeled in Solid Edge ST3. Computer-Aided Finite Element Model is developed in
Ansys Workbench 13.0 and models of bending stress and non-linear contact stress with static
deformation mode are analyzed.
