Understanding Gear Windage Loss

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In summary, gear windage loss is the power loss caused by the resistance of motor oil in the crankcase of an internal combustion engine. This is due to the oil being blown onto the crankshaft and creating drag, resulting in a loss of approximately 15 horsepower. To address this issue, some engineers have created windage trays to drain the oil and prevent this loss. However, the calculation of gear windage loss can be challenging due to the mixture of air and oil in the gear box.
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Dear all

Anybody define,what is exactly gear windage loss?

Text books defined that loss due to lubricants etc...vague

Thanking u

Prakash
 
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  • #2
i can not address GEAR windage loss but i can tell you that internal combustion engines suffer horsepower loss caused by motor oil from the crankcase. Crankshaft windage blows oil (windgage) and the oil attaches to the crankshaft, this parasitic drag robs 15 horsepower. Chrysler engineers made a sheet metal windage tray with drain holes for the oil returning from the top of the engine (valve train). Oil in this case SEA 50 weight , is pretty thick,,SAE 90 gear oil is a lot thicker...if ther gears are spinning fast and the lube is a few inches below or at gear level,,it is something to look at
 
  • #3
Gear windage is the portion of overall power required to rotate a gear set in the oil/air atmosphere inside the gear box. Sometimes, it can also include (depending on who you talk to) losses if the gearing comes in contact with the oil reservoir level, i.e. it is partially submerged. This can be very tough to actually calculate because it is somewhat like a fluid dynamics problem but the fluid is a 2 phase mixture of air and oil. Getting good values of properties like density and viscosity can be tough.
 

Related to Understanding Gear Windage Loss

1. What is gear windage loss?

Gear windage loss is the amount of power that is lost due to the resistance of air and oil as the gears rotate at high speeds. This resistance creates drag, which results in a decrease in the efficiency of the gear system.

2. How does gear windage loss affect gear performance?

Gear windage loss can result in a decrease in the overall efficiency and power output of the gear system. It can also lead to increased heat generation, which can cause wear and tear on the gears and decrease their lifespan.

3. What factors contribute to gear windage loss?

The main factors that contribute to gear windage loss include the speed of rotation, the size and shape of the gears, the viscosity of the lubricant, and the air and oil temperature. The design and placement of the gears also play a role in determining the level of windage loss.

4. How can gear windage loss be reduced?

There are several ways to reduce gear windage loss, including using high-quality lubricants with lower viscosity, optimizing gear design to minimize drag, and implementing proper ventilation and cooling systems to regulate air and oil temperature. Additionally, keeping gears well-lubricated and regularly maintaining them can also help reduce windage loss.

5. Is gear windage loss a significant factor in gear systems?

Yes, gear windage loss can have a significant impact on the performance and efficiency of gear systems, especially in high-speed applications. It is important for engineers and designers to consider windage loss in the design and maintenance of gear systems to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

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