Load carrying capacities of gears with a lattice structure body

“Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University in Skopje, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ruger Boskovic 18, P.O. Box 464, MK-1001 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia

^* Corresponding author: blagoja.nestorovski@mf.edu.mk

Abstract

Lattice structures are type of topology structures that have complex geometry, composed of multiplicated unit cells through which a pattern is generated. Lattice structures are of great interest in engineering due to their strength-to-weight ratio. There has been an increasing trend for their application as infill patterns in a variety of engineering parts and elements. However, the complexity of the lattice geometries, makes them difficult to be produced by conventional methods. Therefore, additive manufacturing technologies have been used as technologies for production of parts containing lattice structures. In this research, the focus is placed on analyzing various unit cell structures and their application in conventional gears as their structure body. One specific lattice structure is chosen and generated. Several characteristics of the lattice structure can vary, like the cell size, density, wall thickness etc. The lattice shape will remain the same for all the analysis. The lattice is optimized by weight reduction and maintaining load carrying capacity of the gears. Different samples are examined using FEM (Finite Element Method) in terms of determination the load carrying capacity. The results for the optimized gear body structures are elaborated, conclusions are drawn and recommendations for application of gears with a specific lattice structure are provided.