SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

DESIGN PROBLEMS

791. (a) Determine a standard circular pitch and face width for a worm gear drive with
an input of 2 hp at 1200 rpm of the triple-threaded worm; the 1.58-in. ( Dw ) is
steel with a minimum BHN = 250; gear is manganese bronze (Table AT 3);
mw = 12 . Consider wear and strength only. Use a φn to match the lead angle λ .

(See i16.13, Text.) (b) compute the efficiency.

Solution:

 1200 + vmg 
a) Fd =   Ft lb
 1200 
33,000hp
Ft =
vmg
πDg ng
vmg =
12
n 1200
ng = w = = 100 rpm
mw 12
Dg = mw Dw tan λ
N t Pc
tan λ =
πDw
 N P  N m P (3)(12)Pc
Dg = mw Dw  t c  = t w c = = 11.46 Pc
 πDw  π π
π (11.45Pc )(100)
vmg = = 300 Pc
12
33,000(2 ) 220
Ft = =
300 Pc Pc
 1200 + 300 Pc  220  55(4 + Pc )
Fd =   = lb
 1200  Pc  Pc
Wear load
Fw = Dg bK w
say b = 2 Pc ,
Dg = 11.46 Pc

Fw = Fd

(11.46 Pc )(2 Pc )(K w ) = 55(4 + Pc )

Pc
55(4 + Pc )
22.92 Pc2 K w =
Pc

Page 1 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

Dg 11.46 Pc
tan λ = = = 0.60443Pc
mw Dw (12)(1.58)

By trial and error and using Table AT 27 ( φn ≈ λ )

Kw Pc Pc (std) λ λmax i16.11 φn
36 0.678 ¾ 24.4 16 14 ½
50 0.605 5/8 20.7 25 20

5
Use φn = 20o , λ = 20.7o , Pc = in
8
Fw = Fd

(11.46 Pc )(b )(K w ) = 55(4 + Pc )

Pc
 5
55 4 + 
(11.46) 5 (b)(50) =  5 8 
8
8
b = 1.1365 in
5
say b = 1 in
32
To check for strength.
sYbPcn sYbPc cos λ
Fs = =
π π
For manganese bronze,
s = 30,000 psi

φn = 20o
Y = 0.392
λ = 20.7o
5
Pc = in
8
5
b = 1 in
32
(30,000)(0.392)1 5  5 
  cos 20.7
Fs =  32  8  = 2530 lb > Fd
π
5
use Pc = in
8
5
b =1 in
32

Page 2 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

 cos φn − f tan λ 
(b) e = tan λ  
 cos φn tan λ + f 
φn = 20o
λ = 20.7o
πDwnw π (1.58)(1200 )
vr = = = 531 fpm > 70 fpm
12 cos λ 12 cos 20.7
0.32 0.32
f = = = 0.0334
0.36
vr (531)0.36
 cos 20 − 0.0334 tan 20.7 
e = tan 20.7  = 0.902 = 90.2%
 cos 20 tan 20.7 + 0.0334 

792. A high-efficiency worm-gear speed reducer is desired, to accept 20 hp from a

1750-rpm motor. The diameter Dw of the integral worm has been estimated to be
7
1 in. ; the next computations are to be for a steel worm with a minimum BHN =
8
250; phosphor-bronze gear (Table AT 3); mw = 11 . Probably, the worm should
not have less than 4 threads. (a) Considering wear and strength only (i16.13),

decide upon a pitch and face width that satisfies these requirements (i16.11,
Text); specifying the pressure angle, diameters, and center distance. How does
Dw used compare with that from equation (m), i16.11, Text? What addendum
and dedendum are recommended by Dudley? Compute a face length for the
worm. (b) Compute the efficiency. What do you recommend as the next trial for
a “better” reducer?

Solution:
33,000hp
Ft =
vmg
πDg ng
vmg =
12
n 1750
ng = w = = 159.1 rpm
mw 11
PN Pm N P (11)(4 )
Dg = c g = c w t = c = 14 Pc
π π π
π (14 Pc )(159.1)
vmg = = 583Pc
12
33,000(20 ) 1132
Ft = =
583Pc Pc

Page 3 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

 1200 + vmg 
Fd =   Ft lb
 1200 
 1200 + 583Pc  1132  1132(1 + 0.4858 Pc )
Fd =   = lb
 1200  Pc  Pc

(a) Wear
Fw = Dg bK w
b = 2 Pc ,
Dg = 14 Pc

Fw = Fd

(14 Pc )(2 Pc )(K w ) = 1132(1 + 0.4858Pc )

Pc
1132(1 + 0.4858 Pc )
28 Pc2 K w =
Pc
Table AT 27, steel, min. BHN = 250, and bronze
And by trial and error ethod
NP 4(Pc )
tan λ = t c = = 0.6791Pc
πDw (π )(1.875)

By trial and error and using Table AT 27

Kw Pc Pc (std) λ λmax i16.11 φn
36 1.213 1¼ 40.33 16 14 ½
50 1.071 1¼ 40.33 25 20
60 1.000 1.0 34.18 35 25

Use φn = 25o , λ = 34.18o , Pc = 1 in

Fw = Fd

(14 Pc )(b )(K w ) = 1132(1 + 0.4858Pc )

Pc

(14)(1)(b )(60) = 1132(1 + 0.4858)

1
b = 2 in

To check for strength

sYbPcn sYbPc cos λ
Fs = =
π π
For phosphor-bronze,
s = sn = 31,000 psi

Page 4 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

For φn = 25o , Y = 0.470

Fs =
(31,000)(0.470 )(2.0)(1.0)cos 34.18 = 7674 lb > F , ok
d
π
use Pc = 1.0 in
b = 2.0 in
φn = 25o
7
Dw = 1 in
8
 7
Dg = mw Dw tan λ = (11)1  tan 34.18 = 14.0 in
 8
1 1 7 
C = (Dw + Dg ) = 1 + 14  = 7.9375 in
2 2 8 
Equation (m)

Dw =
C 0.875
in =
(7.9375)0.875 = 2.785 in > 1.875 in , ok
2 .2 2 .2
Addendum and dedendum (by Dudley)

Addendum = a = 0.3183Pcn = 0.3183Pc cos λ = 0.3183(1.0) cos 34.18 = 0.2633 in

Whole depth = 0.7 Pcn = 0.7 Pc cos λ = 0.7(1.0)cos 34.18 = 0.5791 in
Dedendum = whole depth – addendum = 0.5791 in – 0.2633 in = 0.3158 in

 N 
Face length = Pc  4.5 + g 
 50 
N g = mw N p = (11)(4 ) = 44
 44 
Face length = 1.0 4.5 +  = 5.38 in
 50 
Or
[
Face length = 2 2a(Dg − 2a ) ]
1
2

Dg = 14 in
a = 0.2633 in
1
Face length = 2{2(0.2633)[14 − 2(0.2633)]} 2 = 5.33 in
Use Face length = 5.38 in

 cos φn − f tan λ 
(b) e = tan λ  
 cos φn tan λ + f 
πDwnw π (1.875)(1750 )
vr = = = 1038 fpm > 70 fpm
12 cos λ 12 cos 34.18

Page 5 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

0.32 0.32
f = = = 0.0263 ( 70 < vr < 3000 fpm )
0.36
vr (1038)0.36
φn = 25o , λ = 34.18o ,
 cos 25 − 0.0263 tan 34.18 
e = tan 34.18  = 0.94 = 94%
 cos 25 tan 34.18 + 0.0263 
recommendation for next trial
φn = 30o
λmax = 45o

793. The input to a worm-gear set is to be 25 hp at 600 rpm of the worm with
m w = 20 . The hardened-steel worm is to be the shell type with a diameter
approximately as given in i16.11, Text, and a minimum of 4 threads; the gear is
to be chilled phosphor bronze (Table AT 3). (a) Considering wear and strength
only determine suitable values of the pitch and face width. Let φn be appropriate
to the value of λ . (b) Compute the efficiency. (c) Estimate the radiating area of
the case and compute the temperature rise of lubricant. Is special cooling needed?

Solution:
33,000hp
Ft =
vmg
πDg ng
vmg =
12
n 600
ng = w = = 30 rpm
mw 20
PN Pm N P (20 )(4 ) 80 Pc
Dg = c g = c w t = c =
π π π π
 80 Pc 
π (30)
vmg =  π 
= 200 Pc
12
33,000(25) 4125
Ft = =
200 Pc Pc
 1200 + vmg 
Fd =   Ft lb
 1200 
 1200 + 200 Pc  4125  687.5(6 + Pc )
Fd =   = lb
 1200  Pc  Pc
shell type: Dw = 2.4 Pc + 1.1 in
NP
tan λ = t c =
(4)Pc =
4 Pc
πDw (π )(2.4 Pc + 1.1) π (2.4 Pc + 1.1)

Page 6 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

(a) Wear load

Fw = Dg bK w
b = 2 Pc ,
80 Pc
Dg =
π

Fw = Fd
 80 Pc  687.5(6 + Pc )
 (2 Pc )(K w ) =
 π  Pc
687.5(6 + Pc )
50.93Pc2 K w =
Pc
Table AT 27, Hardened steel and chilled bronze
By trial and error method

By trial and error and using Table AT 27 ( φn ≈ λ )

Kw Pc Pc (std) λ λmax i16.11 φn
90 1.017 1.0 20 16 14 ½
125 0.907 1.0 20 25 20

Use φn = 20o , λ = 20o , Pc = 1 in

Fw = Fd
 80  1687.5(6 + 1)
 (b )(125) =
π  1
b = 1.512 in
5
say b = 1 in
8
 cos φn − f tan λ 
(b) e = tan λ  
 cos φn tan λ + f 
φn = 20o
λ = 20o
Dw = 2.4 Pc + 1.1 = 2.4 + 1.1 = 3.5 in
πDwnw π (3.5)(600 )
vr = = = 585 fpm
12 cos λ 12 cos 20
0.32 0.32
f = 0.36 = = 0.0323 ( 70 < vr < 3000 fpm )
vr (585)0.36
 cos 20 − 0.0323 tan 20 
e = tan 20  = 0.9023 = 90.23%
 cos 20 tan 20 + 0.0323 

Page 7 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

(c) Radiating area ≈ Amin = 43.2C 1.7 sq. in.

1
C=
2
(Dw + Dg )
Dw = 3.5 in
80 Pc 80(1)
Dg = = = 25.5 in
π π
1
C = (3.5 + 25.5) = 14.5 in
2
Amin = 43.2(14.5) = 4072 sq.in.
1.7

Temperature rise = ∆t
Qc = hcr A∆t ft − lb min

Q = (1 − e )(hpi ) = (1 − 0.9023)(25) = 2.4425 hp(33,000 ft − lb min − hp ) = 80,600 ft − lb min

Figure AF 21, A = 4072 sq.in. = 28.3 sq. ft.
hcr = 0.42 ft − lb min − sq.in. − F
Q = Qc
80,600 = (0.42)(4072)(∆t )
∆t = 47 F
with t1 = 100 F
t2 = 147 F < 150 F
Therefore, no special cooling needed.

794. A 50-hp motor turning at 1750 rpm is to deliver its power to a worm-gear
reducer, whose velocity ratio is to be 20. The shell-type worm is to be made of
high-test cast iron; since a reasonably good efficiency is desired, use at least 4
threads; manganese –bronze gear (Table AT 3). (a) Decide upon Dw and φn , and
determine suitable values of the pitch and face width. Compute (b) the efficiency,
(c) the temperature rise of the lubricant. Estimate the radiating area of the case. Is
special cooling needed?

Solution:
33,000hp
Ft =
vmg
πDg ng
vmg =
12
n 1750
ng = w = = 87.5 rpm
mw 20
PN Pm N P (20 )(4 ) 80 Pc
Dg = c g = c w t = c =
π π π π

Page 8 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

 80 Pc 
π (87.5)
vmg =  π 
= 583Pc
12
33,000(50 ) 2830
Ft = =
583Pc Pc

 1200 + vmg 
(a) Fd =   Ft lb
 1200 
 1200 + 583Pc  2830  1375(2.06 + Pc )
Fd =   = lb
 1200  Pc  Pc
Wear load
Fw = Dg bK w
b = 2 Pc ,
80 Pc
Dg =
π

Fw = Fd
 80 Pc  1375(2.06 + Pc )
 (2 Pc )(K w ) =
 π  Pc
1375(2.06 + Pc )
50.93Pc2 K w =
Pc
NP
tan λ = t c
πDw
Shell-type
Dw = 2.4 Pc + 1.1 in
4 Pc
tan λ =
π (2.4 Pc + 1.1)
Table AT 27, high-test cast-iron and manganese bronze
By trial and error and using Table AT 27 ( φn ≈ λ )
Kw Pc Pc (std) λ λmax i16.11 φn
80 1.012 1.0 20 16 14 ½
115 0.885 7/8 19.2 25 20

7
Use λ = 19.2o , φn = 20o , Pc = in
8
7
Dw = 2.4 Pc + 1.1 = 2.4  + 1.1 = 3.2 in
8
Fw = Fd

Page 9 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

 7
1375 2.06 + 
 80  7   8
  (b )(115) =
 π  8  7
8
b = 1.80 in
7
say b = 1 in
8

 cos φn − f tan λ 
(b) e = tan λ  
 cos φn tan λ + f 
λ = 19.2o
φn = 20o
πDwnw
vr =
12 cos λ
nw = 1750 rpm
Dw = 3.2 in
πDwnw π (3.2 )(1750 )
vr = = = 1552 fpm
12 cos λ 12 cos19.2
0.32 0.32
f = 0.36 = = 0.0227 ( 70 < vr < 3000 fpm )
vr (1552)0.36
 cos 20 − 0.0227 tan 19.2 
e = tan 19.2  = 0.9273 = 92.73%
 cos 20 tan 19.2 + 0.0227 

(c) Q = (1 − e )(hpi ) = (1 − 0.9273)(50 ) = 3.635 hp = 119,955 ft − lb min

Qc = hcr A∆t ft − lb min
A = Amin = 43.2C1.7 sq.in.
1
C = (Dw + Dg )
2
Dw = 3.2 in
7
80 
=   = 22.3 in
80 Pc 8
Dg =
π π
1
C = (3.2 + 22.35) = 12.75 in
2
A = 43.2(12.75) = 3272 sq.in.
1.7

Figure AF 1
3272
A= = 22.7 ft 2
144
hcr = 0.43 ft − lb min − sq.in. − F

Page 10 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

Q = Qc
119,955 = (0.43)(3272)(∆t )
∆t = 85 F
with t1 = 100 F
t2 = 185 F > 150 F
Therefore, special cooling is needed.

CHECK PROBLEMS

795. A worm-gear speed reducer has a hardened-steel worm and a manganese-bronze

gear (Table AT 3); triple-threaded worm with Pc = 1.15278 in. , Dw = 3.136 in. ,
1
φn = 25o , b = 2 in. , mw = 12 , nw = 580 rpm . The output is 16 hp. Compute (a)
4
the dynamic load, (b) the endurance strength of the teeth and the indicated
service factor on strength, (c) the limiting wear load (is it good for indefinitely
continuous service?), (d) the efficiency and input hp, (e) the temperature rise of
the oil (estimate case area as Amin , i16.6). (f) Determine the tangential and radial
components of the tooth load. (g) Is this drive self-locking?

Solution:
33,000hp
Ft =
vmg
πDg ng
vmg =
12
nw 580
ng = = = 48.3 rpm
mw 20
PN P m N (1.15278)(12 )(3)
Dg = c g = c w t = = 13.21 in
π π π
π (13.21)(48.3)
vmg = = 167 fpm
12

 1200 + vmg 
(a) Fd =   Ft
 1200 
 1200 + 167 
Fd =   Ft
 1200 
33,000(16 )
Ft = = 3162 lb
167
 1200 + 167 
Fd =  (3162 ) = 3602 lb
 1200 

Page 11 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

sYbPcn sYbPc cos λ

(b) Fs = =
π π
N P (3)(1.15278)
tan λ = t c =
πDw π (3.136 )
λ = 19.34o
For manganese-bronze, s = sn = 30,000 psi
For φn = 25o , Y = 0.470

(30,000)(0.470) 2 1 (1.15278)cos19.34
Fs =  4 = 10,984 lb
π
Service factor
F 10,984
N sf = s = = 3.05
Fd 3602
(c) Fw = Dg bK w
Dg = 13.21 in
b = 2.25 in
Table AT 27, hardened-steel worn and manganese bronze gear
φn = 25o
K w = 100
Fw = (13.21)(2.25)(100) = 2972 lb < Fd (= 3602 lb )
Therefore, not good for indefinitely continuous service

 cos φn − f tan λ 
(d) e = tan λ  
 cos φn tan λ + f 
πDwnw π (1.15278)(580 )
vr = = = 185.5 fpm
12 cos λ 12 cos19.34
0.32 0.32
f = 0.36 = = 0.0488 ( 70 < vr < 3000 fpm )
vr (185.5)0.36
 cos 25 − 0.0488 tan 19.34 
e = tan 19.34  = 0.85 = 85%
 cos 25 tan 19.34 + 0.0488 
hp 16 hp
hpi = o = = 18.82 hp
e 0.85

(e) Temperature rise, ∆t

Q = (1 − e )(hpi ) = (1 − 0.85)(18.82)(33,000 ) = 93,159 ft − lb min

Qc = hcr A∆t ft − lb min
A = Amin = 43.2C1.7 sq.in.

Page 12 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

1
C=
2
(Dw + Dg )
1
C = (1.15278 + 13.21) = 7.18 in
2
A = 43.2(7.18) = 1233 sq.in.
1.7

Figure AF 1
1233
A= = 8.6 ft 2
144
hcr = 0.47 ft − lb min − sq.in. − F
Q = Qc
93,159 = (0.47 )(1233)(∆t )
∆t = 161 F

(f) Tangential components on the worm

 cos φn sin λ + f cos λ 
 = 3162
cos 25 sin 19.34 + 0.0488 cos19.34 
Wt = Ft   = 1305 lb
 cos φn cos λ − f sin λ   cos 25 cos19.34 − 0.0488 sin 19.34 

on the gear
Ft = 3162 lb

radial components
Ft sin φn 3162 sin 25
S= = = 1593 lb
cos φn cos λ − f sin λ cos 25 cos19.34 − 0.0488 sin 19.34

(g) λ = 19.34o > 5o , not self-locking

797. A worm-gear speed reducer has a hardened-steel worm and a phosphor-bronze

gear. The lead angle of the 5-threaded worm λ = 28o57' , Pc = 1.2812 in. ,
1
φn = 25o , b = 2 in. , mw = 8 ; worm speed = 1750 rpm. The gear case is 35 3/8
2
in. high, 22 in. wide, 14 in. deep. Compute (a) the efficiency, (b) the limiting
wear load, the strength load, and the corresponding safe input and output
horsepowers. (c) The manufacturer rates this reducer at 53-hp input. Is this rating
conservative or risky? (d) What is the calculated temperature rise of the oil with
no special cooling? (e) The manufacturer specifies that for continuous service
power should not exceed 36.5 hp if there is to be no artificial cooling and if ∆t is
to be less than 90 F. Make calculations and decide whether the vendor is on the
safe side. (Data courtesy of the Cleveland Worm Gear Co.)

Solution:

Page 13 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

 cos φn − f tan λ 
(a) e = tan λ  
 cos φn tan λ + f 
λ = 28o57' = 28.95o
φn = 25o
πDwnw
vr =
12 cos λ
nw = 1750 rpm
N P
Dg = g c
π
N g = mw N t = (8)(5) = 40

Dg =
(40)(1.2812) = 16.31 in
π
NP
tan λ = t c
πDw
tan 28.95 =
(5)(1.2812)
πDw
Dw = 3.686 in
π (3.686 )(150 )
vr = = 1923 fpm
12 cos 28o57'
0.32 0.32
f = 0.36 = = 0.0210 ( 70 < vr < 3000 fpm )
vr (1923)0.36
 cos 25 − 0.0210 tan 28.95 
e = tan 28.95  = 0.9475 = 94.75%
 cos 25 tan 28.95 + 0.0210 

(b) Fw = Dg bK w
Dg = 16.31 in
b = 2.5 in
Table AT 27, hardened-steel worn and phosphor bronze gear
φn = 25o
K w = 100
Fw = (16.31)(2.5)(100) = 4078 lb

sYbPcn sYbPc cos λ

Fs = =
π π
For phosphor-bronze, s = sn = 31,000 psi
For φn = 25o , Y = 0.470

Fs =
(31,000)(0.470 )(2.5)(1.2812 )cos 28.95 = 13,000 lb
π

Page 14 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

For safe input and output

 1200 + vmg 
Fd =   Ft
 1200 
πDg ng
vmg =
12
n 1750
ng = w = = 218.75 rpm
mw 8
π (16.31)(218.75)
vmg = = 934 fpm
12
Fw = Fd
 1200 + 934 
4078 =   Ft
 1200 
Ft = 2293 lb
Fv
safe output = hpo = t mg =
(2293)(934) = 64.9 hp
33,000 33,000
hp 64.9
safe input = hpi = o = = 68.5 hp
e 0.9475

(c) 53-hp input < 68.5 hp. ∴ conservative.

(d) Q = (1 − e )(hpi ) = (1 − 0.9475)(68.5)(33,000) = 118,676 ft − lb min

Qc = hcr A∆t ft − lb min
A = 2[(22)(14) + (22)(35.375)] = 2172.5 sq.in.
Figure AF 1
2172.5
A= = 15 ft 2
144
hcr = 0.45 ft − lb min − sq.in. − F
Q = Qc
118,676 = (0.45)(2172.5)(∆t )
∆t = 121.4 F

(e) ∆t ′ = 90 F
hpi′ ∆t ′
=
hpi ∆t
hpi′ 90
=
68.5 124
hpi′ = 50.8 hp
Since 36.5 hp < 50.8 hp, therefore on the safe side.

Page 15 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

HEATING

799. The input to a worm-gear reducer is 50.5 hp at 580 rpm of the 4-threaded worm.
The gear case is 22 x 31 x 45 in. in size; φn = 25o , Pc = 1.5 in , Dw = 4.432 in ,
f = 0.035 , room temperature = 80 F. Compute the steady-state temperature for
average cooling.

Solution:
NP 4(1.5)
tan λ = t c =
πDw π (4.432 )
λ = 23.3o
 cos φn − f tan λ 
e = tan λ  
 cos φn tan λ + f 
 cos 25 − 0.035 tan 23.3 
e = tan 23.3  = 0.9025
 cos 25 tan 23.3 + 0.035 
Q = (1 − e )(hpi ) = (1 − 0.9025)(50.5)(33,000) = 162,484 ft − lb min
Qc = hcr A∆t ft − lb min
A = 2[(22)(31) + (31)(45)] = 4154 sq.in.
Figure AF 1
4154
A= = 28.85 ft 2
144
hcr = 0.42 ft − lb min − sq.in. − F
Q = Qc
162,484 = (0.42)(4154 )(∆t )
∆t = 93 F
t1 = 80 F
t2 = 173 F

801. A hardened-steel, 4-threaded worm drives a bronze gear; Dw = 1.875 in ,

Dg ≈ 14 in , Pc = 1.0 in , φn = 25o , area of case ≈ 1500 sq.in. , vr ≈ 1037 fpm ;
input = 20 hp at 1750 rpm of the worm; room temperature = 80 F. Compute the
steady-state temperature of the lubricant for average ventilation.

Solution:
NP 4(1.0 )
tan λ = t c =
πDw π (1.875)
λ = 34.2o
0.32 0.32
f = = = 0.0263 ( 70 < vr < 3000 fpm )
0.36
vr (1037 )0.36

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 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

 cos φn − f tan λ 
e = tan λ  
 cos φn tan λ + f 
 cos 25 − 0.0263 tan 34.2 
e = tan 34.2  = 0.94
 cos 25 tan 34.2 + 0.0263 
Q = (1 − e )(hpi ) = (1 − 0.94)(20)(33,000) = 39,600 ft − lb min
Qc = hcr A∆t ft − lb min
A = 1500 sq.in.
Figure AF 1
1500
A= = 10.4 ft 2
144
hcr = 0.46 ft − lb min − sq.in. − F
Q = Qc
39,600 = (0.46 )(1500)(∆t )
∆t = 57 F
t1 = 80 F
t2 = 137 F

802. The input to a 4-threaded worm is measured to be 20.8 hp; Pc = 1.0 in , Dw = 2 in ,

φn = 25o . The area of the case is closely 1800 sq. in.; ambient temperature = 100
F; oil temperature = 180 F. Operation is at a steady thermal state. Compute the
indicated coefficient of friction.

Solution:
Qc = hcr A∆t ft − lb min
Figure AF 1
1800
A= = 12.5 ft 2
144
hcr = 0.46 ft − lb min − sq.in. − F
A = 1800 sq.in.
∆t = 180 − 100 = 80 F
Qc = hcr A∆t = (0.46)(1800)(80) = 66,240 ft − lb min
Q = (1 − e )(hpi )(33,000) ft − lb min
Q = Qc
(1 − e)(hpi )(33,000) = 66,240
e = 0.9035
 cos φn − f tan λ 
e = tan λ  
 cos φn tan λ + f 

Page 17 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

N t Pc 4(1.0 )
tan λ = =
πDw π (2 )
λ = 32.5o
 cos 25 − f tan 32.5 
0.9035 = tan 32.5 
 cos 25 tan 32.5 + f 
0.5217 + 0.9035 f = 0.5774 − 0.4059 f
f = 0.0425

FORCE ANALYSIS

1
804. The input to a 4-threaded worm is 21 hp at 1750 rpm; e = 90% , Dw = 2 in ,
4
o
Dg = 14 in , N g = 44 , φn = 25 . (a) From the horsepowers in and out, compute
the tangential forces on the worm Wt and the gear Ft . (b) Using this value of Ft ,
compute Wt from equation (k), i16.8, Text. (Check?) (c) Compute the separating
force. (d) What is the end thrust on the worm shaft? On the gear shaft?

Solution:
hpi = 21 hp
hpo = (hpi )(e ) = (21)(0.90) = 18.9 hp
N Dg
mw = g =
N t Dw tan λ
44 14
=
4  1
 2  tan λ
 4
λ = 29.5o
 cos φn − f tan λ 
e = tan λ  
 cos φn tan λ + f 
 cos 25 − f tan 29.5 
0.90 = tan 29.5 
 cos 25 tan 29.5 + f 
0.4615 + 0.90 f = 0.5128 − 0.32 f
f = 0.0420
πDg ng
vmg =
12
ng N t
=
nw N g

Page 18 of 19
 SECTION 14 – WORM GEARS

ng 4
=
1750 44
ng = 159 rpm
π (14)(159)
vmg = = 583 fpm
12

33,000hpo 33,000(18.9)
(a) Ft = = = 1070 lb
vmg 583
33,000hpi
Wt =
vw
πD n π (2.25)(1750)
vw = w w = = 1031 fpm
12 12
33,000(21)
Wt = = 672 lb
1031

 cos φn sin λ + f cos λ 

 = 1070
cos 25 sin 29.5 + 0.0420 cos 29.5 
(b) Wt = Ft   = 672 lb
 cos φn cos λ − f sin λ   cos 25 cos 29.5 − 0.0420 sin 29.5 
Ft sin φn 1070 sin 25
(c) S = = = 589 lb
cos φn cos λ − f sin λ cos 25 cos 29.5 − 0.0420 sin 29.5
(d) End thrust
Worm shaft = Ft = 1070 lb
Gear shaft = Wt = 672 lb

- end -

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