Gear Analysis with RecurDyn: Realistic and Accurate Simulations in Power Transmission Systems

Gear Analysis with RecurDyn: Realistic and Accurate Simulations in Power Transmission Systems


Gears are one of the fundamental components in power transmission systems and among the most critical parts of complex mechanical assemblies. Especially in systems requiring high torque, speed, and precision, accurate analysis of gear behavior is essential for improving efficiency, durability, and overall performance. This is where RecurDyn comes in—offering advanced analysis capabilities engineers rely on.

With its physics-based modeling (MFBD), high-resolution contact simulation, and modular approach, RecurDyn allows for a comprehensive analysis of gear systems under real operating conditions.

What is RecurDyn Gear Toolkit?

The Gear Toolkit in RecurDyn enables users to model and analyze gear interactions accurately within multibody systems. Gears are not only analyzed kinematically but also under physical effects such as elastic deformation, contact forces, dynamic loading, and vibration behavior.

Supported Gear Types:

Spur Gears

Helical Gears

Bevel Gears

Worm Gears

Planetary Gear Systems

Internal/External Ring Gears

Analysis Capabilities

The Gear Toolkit enables multidimensional analysis of gear systems:

1. Contact Analysis and Load Distribution

RecurDyn evaluates each gear pair individually to simulate contact surfaces and resulting pressures. This enables:

Load calculation per gear tooth

Visualization of contact stress distribution

Prediction of wear patterns and surface damage

2. Vibration and Noise Analysis (NVH)

Unwanted vibration and noise in gear systems often arise from micro-contact errors or misalignments. RecurDyn helps detect these issues and supports design improvements that mitigate such behaviors.

3. Thermal Effects and Lubrication

RecurDyn accounts for heat generation and lubrication effects, providing a more realistic simulation environment. Thermal expansion, oil film thickness, and viscosity variations can be integrated into the model.

4. Flexible Body Dynamics (with FEM Integration)

The Gear Toolkit works with the MFBD environment in RecurDyn/Professional, allowing for gear flexibility. Integration with FEM tools like ANSYS provides enhanced accuracy for deformable components.

5. Error and Tolerance Analysis

Manufacturing defects, backlash, and misalignments can be included in simulations to verify design tolerances and system robustness.

Industries That Benefit from Gear Analysis

The RecurDyn Gear module is widely used across various sectors:

🚗 Automotive

Manual and automatic transmissions

Differentials

Electric drive systems

Powertrain reduction gears

🛡️ Defense Industry

Rotating mechanisms in tank turrets

Weapon actuation systems

Gearboxes in armored vehicles

🚄 Rail Systems

Reduction gear units in bogies

Gear-motor integrated drive systems

⚙️ Machinery & Manufacturing

Industrial gearboxes

Robotic actuators and motion arms

High-speed production equipment

🌬️ Energy Sector

Wind turbine gearbox dynamics

Hydroelectric plant gear mechanisms

Solar tracking systems with geared drives

Real-World Project Examples

1. EV Gearbox Optimization:
An OEM improved efficiency by 3% and reduced noise by 6 dB through detailed RecurDyn simulations of its EV reduction gearbox.

2. Military Vehicle Drivetrain:
In a project experiencing excessive heat in helical gear systems, RecurDyn simulations enabled the redesign of load distribution and lubrication strategy.

3. Wind Turbine Life Cycle Assessment:
Planetary gearbox simulations under high torque yielded 15% more accurate life predictions using RecurDyn's physics-based modeling.

Why Choose RecurDyn for Gear Analysis?

✅ High-fidelity contact and force simulations

✅ Comprehensive NVH, deformation, and thermal analysis

✅ Easy modeling of complex gear trains

✅ Fast computation times for rapid design iterations

✅ FEM integration support with flexible body dynamics

What Does Fetech Advanced Engineering Offer?

As the official distributor of RecurDyn in Turkey, Fetech Advanced Engineering offers:

Licensing solutions

Technical support

Hands-on training sessions

Turnkey simulation project services

If you're looking to optimize gear systems for reliability, durability, and performance, our RecurDyn solutions are here to help.