Wormgear Drives 255

2 The worm reference diameter d1 could not be calculated by _____ (𝛾 is lead angle)
(a) d1 = mq
(b) d1 = 2a−d2
z m
(c) d1 = tan1 𝛾
(d) d1 = mz1

3 In a wormgear drive, not only is the module standardized, but also the reference
diameter of the worm d1 . The purpose of such regulation is ________.
(a) to facilitate assembly
(b) to reduce the number of tools required to fabricate worms
(c) to reduce the number of tools required to fabricate wormgears and to facilitate
the standardization of tools
(d) to improve the precision of manufacturing

4 The purpose of heat balance calculation for a worm gearing is to control temperature
in order to prevent___
(a) the deterioration of lubricants and gluing of the wormgear surface
(b) the decrease of worm mechanical properties
(c) the decrease in transmission efficiency
(d) the annealing of the wormgear

Calculation Questions
1 A worm gearing set is shown in Figure P9.1. The driving worm rotates anticlockwise.
Indicate the direction of radial forces, tangential forces and axial forces that each
worm and wormgear is subjected to. Show the rotational directions of each shaft.
Determine the hand helix of the wormgears and draw them on the sketch.

Figure P9.1 Illustration for Calculation

Question 1.
4
1

× × 3
2

2 A power transmission composes of a pair of bevel gears, a worm and a wormgear,

as shown in Figure P9.2. The rotational direction of the output bevel gear 𝜔4 is also
shown in the figure.
(a) To counteract the forces on the intermediate shaft, determine the helix direction
of the wormgear, and the rotational direction of the worm.
(b) Indicate tangential and axial forces acting on each element.
256 Analysis and Design of Machine Elements

Output shaft Figure P9.2 Illustration for Calculation Question 2.

2 × 4
ω4
×
3

Input shaft
1

3 A wormgear with 41 teeth and module of m = 5 mm mates with a double-threaded

worm with a diameter of d1 = 50 mm. Assume the coefficient of friction is f = 0.1.
Determine (1) speed ratio, (2) diameter of wormgear, (3) centre distance, (4) lead
angle of the worm and whether the wormset is self-locking and (5) efficiency.

4 The input power for a wormgear reducer is P = 3 kW with a total efficiency of 𝜂 = 0.8.
The heat dissipation area is 1 m2 and heat transfer coefficient is 𝛼 s = 15 W m−2 ∘ C.
Assume the ambient temperature is 20∘ C. It is required that the oil temperature
does not exceed 80∘ C at heat balance. Please check whether the lubricant oil sump
temperature meets the requirements.

5 A 10 kW, a 970 rpm electric motor is to drive a lift through a right-handed wormgear
reducer, as shown in Figure P9.3. The reducer has a double-threaded worm and a
60-tooth wormgear, with a module of m = 8 mm. The worm has an axial pitch of
25.12 mm and a reference diameter of 64 mm.

V Roller

G Wormgear

Electric motor

Figure P9.3 Illustration for Calculation Question 5.

Assume the friction coefficient between the worm and wormgear is 0.1. Calculate or
determine the following:
(a) When the lift is going up, indicate the rotational direction of the electric motor;
(b) Indicate the direction of forces acting on the worm;
 Wormgear Drives 257

(c) Determine the lead angle of the worm and whether the worm set is self-locking;
(d) Calculate the meshing efficiency;
(e) Calculate the forces acting on the wormgear;
(f ) Calculate sliding velocity between worm and wormgear;
(g) Determine the power delivered to the lift.

Design Problems
1 A double-threaded steel worm rotates at 1460 rpm, meshing with a 53-tooth wor-
mgear transmitting 20 kW to the output shaft. The wormgear drive works 8 h a day
steadily for 10 years. Design the wormgear drive.

2 A double-threaded steel worm with a module of m = 6.3 mm rotates at 1460 rpm,

meshing with a 53-tooth wormgear. The worm is hardened steel and the gear is
sand-cast bronze. The wormgear set works steadily 8 h a day for 10 years. Decide
the maximum power to be transmitted by the wormgear drive.

3 A wormgear drive is utilized to reduce the speed of a 1460 rpm motor driving the
worm down to an output wormgear shaft speed of approximately 100 rpm and pro-
vides 7.5 kW power to the driven machine. The application factor is 1.25. Design a
wormgear drive and specify the nominal required power rating of the driving motor.

4 Three designs, that is, using a single-thread worm, a double-thread worm and a
four-thread worm, are proposed for a wormgear drive to produce a speed ratio of 20
when the wormgear rotates at 90 rpm. Worms in all the three designs have a module
of 5 mm, and a worm reference diameter of 50 mm. The worms are hardened steel
and the wormgears are chilled bronze. Compare these designs and compute the rated
output torque, satisfying both bending strength and pitting resistance requirements.

Structure Design Problems

1 Find the errors in Figure P9.4 and correct them.

2 Find the errors in Figure P9.5 and correct them.

Figure P9.4 Illustration for Structure Design Problem 1.

258 Analysis and Design of Machine Elements

Figure P9.5 Illustration for Structure Design Problem 2.

CAD Problems
1 Write a flow chart for the wormgear drive design process.

2 Develop a program to implement a user interface similar to Figure P9.6 and complete
Example Problem 1.

Figure P9.6 Illustration for CAD Problem 2.