Statistical energy analysis of a gearbox with emphasis on the bearing path

A generic gearbox containing one spur gear pair is examined using the statistical energy analysis with emphasis on the vibratory energy flow through rolling element bearings. A new analytical procedure has been developed to determine the associated coupling loss factor. Resulting formulation is applied to the NASA helicopter gear noise test facility. Vibro-acoustic predictions at the fundamental gear mesh frequency are found to be in reasonable agreement with measurements even though many simplifying assumptions are made. Such a model can be used for parametric design studies.