Design Optimization of Spur Gear for Its Centre Distance Using Genetic Algorithm

Spur gears are normally used in every field of engineering where it is required to transmit power at moderate speed. Optimization of spur gear is done with objective of minimizing the centre distance of a gear for given specification. Design variables are defined in terms of module, number of teeth on pinion and number of teeth on gear. The design obtained must satisfy all the necessary conditions for limits on interference, gear ratio tolerance, Strength and wear criteria and minimum no. of teeth on pinion according to design standard selected. Spur gear design is being optimized by the application of “GENETIC ALGORITHM” technique. The traditional methods of optimization usually fail to find the optimum solutions, therefore new method genetic algorithm has been considered which gives global optima instead of local optima. It can process functions with any degree of nonlinearities and discontinuities. It can also deal with discrete, continuous and mixed variables. In this work, nonlinear constraints were handled by using modified penalty function method.