Lewis Factor Equation and Calculator for Gear Tooth

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Lewis Factor Formulae and Online Calculator

The first equation used for the bending stress was the Lewis equation. This is derived by treating the tooth as a simple cantilever and with tooth contact occurring at the tip as shown above.

Preview: Lewis Factor Formulae and Online Calculator

Only the tangent component (W_t) is considered. It is also assumed that only one pair of teeth is in contact. Stress concentrations at the tooth root fillet are ignored. It can be shown that the maximum bending stress occurs at the tangent points on the parabola shown above. Use of the standard equation for bending stress (σ= Mc/I) leads to:

(Click on below images to enlarge)

Where:

W_t = (lbf, N)
P = (in, mm)
F = (in, mm)
σ = (psi, Pa)
Y = Dimensionless

(Click on below images to enlarge)

Related:

• Gear Tooth Strength