| Conjugation is very common in machinery such as gearing, cam-followers and valves. With an increasingly more critical requirement for efficiency, power density and life, conjugation modification becomes one of the most important research subjects. Even though the modern conjugation theory is well-studied, conjugation design is so difficult that only simple classical geometries can be employed, dramatically limiting performance improvement. Deeply studying conjugation theory and geometry modeling theory, this dissertation proposes the first conjugation modeling theory and methodology for proper conjugation design and optimization.;The whole work can be conceptually summarized as the novel manifold conjugation theory including smooth conjugation modeling and discrete conjugation modeling. Smooth conjugation modeling covers the classic conjugation based on differential geometry. Free-form method and splines are introduced to smooth conjugation theory enabling design freedom. Conjugation design is not limited to some fixed elementary geometries but given controllable design flexibility. With the design degrees of freedom, optimization is enabled and some methods and algorithms have been proposed for optimal performance.;In the theory of discrete conjugation modeling, discrete differential geometry is introduced into conjugation enabling discrete design flexibility. In conjugation design, finite element simulation is usually used for performance computation. Finite element method needs only discrete geometries which approximate the corresponding smooth geometries. Discrete conjugation is established to take the advantage of discrete degrees of freedom in computer aided geometry design and finite element simulation. Vibration, one of the most important conjugation properties, has been reduced significantly through discrete conjugation modeling and optimization.;For the conjugation design when loading condition and deformation are taken into account, a new theory called compensated conjugation is established based on transmission function and conjugation. This leads to a totally new perspective on tooth modification practice and a unified modification theory for all conjugation types. The theory has been rigorously established and the methodology practically examined for effectiveness. |
