Torque effect on vibration behavior of high-speed train gearbox under internal and external excitations

Abstract The high-speed train transmission system, experiencing both the internal excitation originating from gear meshing and the external excitation originating from the wheel–rail interaction, exhibits complex dynamic behavior in the actual service environment. This paper focuses on the gearbox in the high-speed train to carry out the bench test, in which various operating conditions (torques and rotation speeds) were set up and the excitation condition covering both internal and external was created. Acceleration responses on multiple positions of the gearbox were acquired in the test and the vibration behavior of the gearbox was studied. Meanwhile, a stochastic excitation modal test was also carried out on the test bench under different torques, and the modal parameter of the gearbox was identified. Finally, the sweep frequency response of the gearbox under gear meshing excitation was analyzed through dynamic modeling. The results showed that the torque has an attenuating effect on the amplitude of gear meshing frequency on the gearbox, and the effect of external excitation on the gearbox vibration cannot be ignored, especially under the rated operating condition. It was also found that the torque affects the modal parameter of the gearbox significantly. The torque has a great effect on both the gear meshing stiffness and the bearing stiffness in the transmission system, which is the inherent reason for the changed modal characteristics observed in the modal test and affects the vibration behavior of the gearbox consequently.