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All questions of Gears for Mechanical Engineering Exam

Match List - I (Terms) with List - II (Definitions) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I
A. Module
B. Addendum
C. Circular pitch
List-II
1. Radial distance of a tooth from the pitch circle to the top of the tooth
2. Radial distance of a tooth from the pitch circle to the bottom of the tooth
3. Distance on the circumference of the pitch circle from a point of one tooth to the corresponding point on the next tooth
4. Ratio of pitch circle diameter in mm to the number of teeth
Codes:
     A B C
(a) 4 1 3
(b) 4 2 3
(c) 3 1 2
(d) 3 2 4
  • a)
    (a)
  • b)
    (b)
  • c)
    (c)
  • d)
    (d)
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

Module:
- Module is the ratio of pitch circle diameter in mm to the number of teeth.
- It is represented as M = D/N, where M is the module, D is the pitch circle diameter, and N is the number of teeth.

Addendum:
- Addendum is the radial distance of a tooth from the pitch circle to the top of the tooth.
- It is the height of the tooth above the pitch circle.

Circular pitch:
- Circular pitch is the distance on the circumference of the pitch circle from a point of one tooth to the corresponding point on the next tooth.
- It is the distance between corresponding points on adjacent teeth measured along the pitch circle.

Correct answer:
The correct match for each term is:
- Module: Ratio of pitch circle diameter in mm to the number of teeth (4)
- Addendum: Radial distance of a tooth from the pitch circle to the top of the tooth (1)
- Circular pitch: Distance on the circumference of the pitch circle from a point of one tooth to the corresponding point on the next tooth (3)
Therefore, the correct answer is option (a) 4 1 3.

The contact ratio of gears is always 
  • a)
    more than one
  • b)
    one
  • c)
    less than one
  • d)
    zero
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Milan Ghosh answered
For continuous transmission of motion, at least one tooth of one wheel must be in contact with another tooth of second wheel. Therefore, the contact ratio must be greater than unity.

If an imaginary circle is drawn which- by pure rolling action gives the same motion as the actual gear, what is the circle called?
  • a)
    Addendum circle
  • b)
    Pitch circle
  • c)
    Root circle
  • d)
    Dedendum circle
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Nayanika Yadav answered
Pitch Circle: The pitch circle is the curve of intersection of the pitch surface of revolution and the plane of rotation. It is an imaginary circle that rolls without slipping with the pitch circle of a mating gear. The pitch circles of a pair of mating gears are tangent to each other.

How does the contact ratio of helical gears compare with that of spur gears?
  • a)
    It is lesser than that of spur gear
  • b)
    It is greater than that of spur gear
  • c)
    Infinite
  • d)
    It is equal to that of spur gear
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Ruchi Ahuja answered
Helical gears typically provide a higher contact ratio than spur gears. This is due to the additional axial contact ratio resulting from their angled teeth, keeping more teeth in contact at the mesh point for a longer duration.

Select the positive drive amongst the following:
  • a)
    rope drive
  • b)
    V-belt drive
  • c)
    chain drive
  • d)
    gear drive
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sagarika Dey answered
Gear drives use no intermediate link or connector and transmit the motion by direct contact. Hence, gears ensure definite velocity ratio and provide a positive drive.

Th e tooth profile most commonly used in gear drive for power transmission is
  • a)
    a cycloid
  • b)
    an involute .
  • c)
    an ellipse
  • d)
    a parabola
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Rithika Kaur answered
Due to ease of standadization, manufacturing and low cost of production, the use of involute te e th has becom e universal by e n tire ly superseding the cycloidal teeth shape.

In the case of an involute toothed gear, involute starts from
  • a)
    Addendum circle
  • b)
    Dedendum circle
  • c)
    Pitch circle
  • d)
    Base circle
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Debolina Menon answered
In case of involute toothed gear base circle is the circle above which profile of gear is involute and below the base circle straight line exists. Hence it is the base circle.

The difference between space width and tooth thickness is
  • a)
    Backlash
  • b)
    Clearance
  • c)
    Flank
  • d)
    Tooth space
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Avik Ghosh answered
Backlash:
Backlash refers to the play or clearance between mating gear teeth. It is the difference in the tooth space width and the tooth thickness.

Definition:
Backlash is the amount of movement or "play" between the teeth of two gears when they are engaged with each other. It is essentially the clearance between the mating gear teeth. Backlash is important to consider in gear design and manufacturing as it affects the overall performance and efficiency of the gear system.

Space Width:
Space width is the width of the space between two adjacent gear teeth. It is the measurement from the flank of one tooth to the flank of the adjacent tooth. Space width can be measured at the pitch circle or any other reference point on the gear.

Tooth Thickness:
Tooth thickness is the width of an individual gear tooth. It is the measurement from the tip of the tooth to the root. Tooth thickness can also be measured at the pitch circle or any other reference point on the gear.

Difference between Space Width and Tooth Thickness:
The difference between space width and tooth thickness is referred to as backlash. It represents the amount of clearance or play between the mating gear teeth. Backlash is necessary to ensure smooth and efficient operation of the gear system.

When the gear teeth are engaged, the tooth thickness of one gear should fit perfectly into the space width of the mating gear. However, in reality, there is always a slight gap or clearance between the teeth due to manufacturing tolerances, wear, and other factors. This gap is the backlash.

Importance of Backlash:
Backlash is important to consider in gear design because it affects the performance and reliability of the gear system. A small amount of backlash is necessary to prevent binding or jamming of the gears. It allows for thermal expansion, lubrication, and variations in operating conditions.

However, excessive backlash can result in undesirable effects such as noise, vibration, and reduced efficiency. It can lead to inaccurate positioning and decreased precision in gear systems. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully control and optimize the amount of backlash in gear design and manufacturing to achieve the desired performance and reliability.

When two spur gears having involute profiles on their teeth engaged, the line of action is tangential to the
  • a)
    Pitch circles
  • b)
    Dedendum circles
  • c)
    Addendum circles
  • d)
    Base circle
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Avantika Sen answered
Two important properties of an involute
(i) A normal to an involute is a tangent to the basic circle
(ii) The radius of curvature of an involute is equal to the length of the tangent to the base circle.

For a single reduction spur gear, the gear ratio is 10 to 1 and the center distance is 330 mm. The nearest standard module if no interference is to occur, will be
  • a)
    1
  • b)
    2
  • c)
    3
  • d)
    4
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

The gear ratio is defined as the ratio of the number of teeth on the driving gear to the number of teeth on the driven gear. In this case, the gear ratio is given as 10 to 1, which means that the driving gear has 10 teeth and the driven gear has 1 tooth.

The center distance is the distance between the centers of the two gears. In this case, the center distance is given as 330 mm.

To determine the module of the gear, we can use the formula:

Module = Center Distance / (Number of Teeth on the Driving Gear + Number of Teeth on the Driven Gear)


Using the given values, we can substitute them into the formula:

Module = 330 mm / (10 + 1)

Module = 330 mm / 11

Module ≈ 30 mm


Since the module is the closest standard module, we need to round it to the nearest standard module. In this case, the nearest standard module is 4.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - 4.

Summary:

To determine the nearest standard module for a single reduction spur gear with a gear ratio of 10 to 1 and a center distance of 330 mm, we can use the formula for module. By substituting the given values into the formula, we find that the module is approximately 30 mm. Since the nearest standard module is 4, the correct answer is option 'D'.

The size of Gear is specified by
  • a)
    Circular pitch
  • b)
    Diametral pitch
  • c)
    Module
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Dishani Desai answered
Size of gear is specified by its pitch and pitch can be classified as

Hence circular pitch, diametral pitch and module represents size of gear.

For helical gears, the helix angle generally ranges from
  • a)
    00 to 300
  • b)
    300 to 450
  • c)
    450 to 600
  • d)
    300 to 750
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Rishika Sen answered
Helical gears are a type of gear system that have teeth that are not parallel to the axis of rotation, but instead are aligned at an angle. This angle is known as the helix angle. The helix angle affects the performance and characteristics of the gear system, including its load-carrying capacity, efficiency, and noise level.

The helix angle generally ranges from 0° to 30° for helical gears. Let's understand why this is the case:

1. Definition and Purpose of Helical Gears:
- Helical gears are cylindrical gears with teeth that are cut at an angle to the gear axis.
- The purpose of the helix angle is to introduce a sliding action between the teeth during contact, which helps in reducing noise and increasing the load-carrying capacity of the gears.

2. Helix Angle Range:
- The helix angle for helical gears typically ranges from 0° to 30°.
- The lower limit of 0° corresponds to a gear system with straight teeth, which is essentially a spur gear.
- The upper limit of 30° is a practical limit beyond which the sliding action between the teeth becomes too significant, leading to increased friction and wear.
- In some special cases, the helix angle can go beyond 30°, but these are not common and have specific applications.

3. Gear Performance Considerations:
- As the helix angle increases, the load-carrying capacity of the gear system improves due to the larger tooth contact area.
- However, increasing the helix angle also increases the axial thrust force, which needs to be properly managed in the gear design.
- The helix angle also affects the efficiency of the gear system, with higher angles generally resulting in slightly lower efficiency.
- Additionally, the helix angle influences the noise level of the gear system, with lower angles leading to quieter operation.

In conclusion, the helix angle for helical gears generally ranges from 0° to 30°. This range provides a balance between load-carrying capacity, efficiency, and noise level in the gear system.

The size of gears is usually specified by
  • a)
    circular pitch
  • b)
    addendum circle diameter
  • c)
    pitch circle diameter
  • d)
    base circle diameter
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Pitch Circle Diameter as the Size of Gears

Explanation:
Gears are important mechanical components used in machines to transmit power and motion from one shaft to another. The size of gears is a crucial factor that determines their performance, efficiency, and compatibility with other gears. The most commonly used parameter for specifying the size of gears is the pitch circle diameter.

Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD):
The pitch circle is an imaginary circle that passes through the points of contact of two mating gears. The diameter of this circle is known as the pitch circle diameter (PCD) and is used to determine the size of gears. The PCD is measured in millimeters (mm) or inches (in) depending on the system of units used.

How PCD is Determined:
The pitch circle diameter is determined by considering the number of teeth on the gear, the module or diametral pitch, and the pressure angle. The module is a metric parameter that relates the size of the gear to the number of teeth and is defined as the ratio of the pitch circle diameter to the number of teeth. The diametral pitch is an imperial parameter that relates the number of teeth to the pitch circle diameter and is defined as the number of teeth per inch of diameter. The pressure angle is the angle between the line of action of the teeth and a tangent to the pitch circle.

Advantages of PCD:
The use of pitch circle diameter as a parameter for specifying the size of gears offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides a standard method for determining the size of gears that is universally accepted. Secondly, it enables the gears to be easily matched with other gears for compatibility. Thirdly, it helps in the design of gear systems by enabling the calculation of gear ratios and tooth profiles.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the pitch circle diameter is the most commonly used parameter for specifying the size of gears. It is determined by considering the number of teeth, module or diametral pitch, and pressure angle. The use of pitch circle diameter offers several advantages in terms of standardization, compatibility, and design of gear systems.

The ends of gears are made slightly thinner (crowning). This is done 
  • a)
    only in case of high speed gears
  • b)
    to have a better surface finish
  • c)
    to increase the pressure angle
  • d)
    to make the teeth stronger and increase its service life
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Moumita Rane answered
The Purpose of Crowning Gears

Crowning is a process in which the ends of gears are made slightly thinner. This technique is employed for various reasons, but the primary purpose is to make the gear teeth stronger and increase their service life. Let's delve into the details of why crowning is done and how it achieves this objective.

1. Distribution of Load
By crowning the gear teeth, the load distribution across the tooth face becomes more uniform. In a non-crowned gear, the load is concentrated at the center of the tooth face, leading to higher stresses and potential wear in that region. Crowning ensures that the load is distributed more evenly, reducing stress concentrations and enhancing the overall strength of the gear teeth.

2. Contact Ratio
Another advantage of crowning gears is that it increases the contact ratio. The contact ratio refers to the number of pairs of teeth in contact at any given moment. By crowning the gear teeth, the contact ratio is improved, which helps to distribute the load over a larger area, reducing the pressure on individual teeth. This results in a higher load-carrying capacity for the gear and increases its service life.

3. Noise Reduction
Crowning also contributes to noise reduction in gear systems. When gears mesh, there is a possibility of misalignment due to manufacturing tolerances or deflections. Crowning compensates for these misalignments by allowing the gear teeth to roll slightly, reducing the sliding and resulting in quieter operation.

4. Improved Lubrication
Crowned gears facilitate better lubrication. The thinner ends of the gear teeth create a space between the mating gears, allowing lubricant to flow more effectively and reach all contact surfaces. This helps to reduce friction, wear, and heat generation, thereby improving the gear's efficiency and longevity.

Conclusion
In summary, crowning gears is done to make the teeth stronger and increase their service life. It achieves this by distributing the load more evenly, increasing the contact ratio, reducing noise, and improving lubrication. By incorporating these design modifications, gears can operate more efficiently and reliably, providing enhanced performance and longevity in various mechanical systems.

Tumbler gears are
  • a)
    bevel gears having the same module
  • b)
    gears in lathe machine used for reversing the direction of rotation of driven gears
  • c)
    gears in lathe head stock used to reduce the speed of spindle
  • d)
    pair of gears in a machine that serves to connect the dividing head with table movement
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Shruti Bose answered
Tumbler gears in a lathe machine

Explanation:
Tumbler gears are a crucial component in a lathe machine that is used to reverse the direction of rotation of driven gears. These gears are typically located in the gearbox of the lathe machine and are responsible for changing the direction of rotation of the spindle.

Function of tumbler gears:
The main function of tumbler gears is to allow the lathe machine to perform operations such as thread cutting, where the direction of rotation of the workpiece needs to be reversed. By engaging the tumbler gears, the operator can reverse the rotation of the gears, resulting in the reversal of the workpiece's rotation.

Working mechanism:
The tumbler gears consist of a pair of gears that are mounted on a shaft. These gears are usually of the same module, meaning they have the same pitch diameter and tooth size. When the lathe machine is in operation, the gears are engaged with the driven gears, which are connected to the spindle.

Engaging the tumbler gears:
To reverse the direction of rotation, the operator needs to disengage the spindle from the powered gears and engage it with the tumbler gears. This is typically done by shifting a lever or engaging a clutch mechanism. Once the tumbler gears are engaged, the rotation of the spindle is reversed, causing the workpiece to rotate in the opposite direction.

Applications:
The use of tumbler gears in a lathe machine is essential for various operations, including thread cutting, knurling, and reverse turning. These operations require the workpiece to rotate in the opposite direction, and the tumbler gears enable this functionality.

In summary, tumbler gears are bevel gears in a lathe machine that are used to reverse the direction of rotation of the driven gears. They play a crucial role in enabling operations such as thread cutting and allow for versatility in the lathe machine's functionality.

Tooth interference in an external involute spur gear pair can be reduced by
  • a)
    decreasing center distance between gear pair
  • b)
    decreasing module
  • c)
    decreasing pressure angle
  • d)
    increasing number of gear teeth
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kiran Basu answered
Increasing number of gear teeth:
Increasing the number of gear teeth in an external involute spur gear pair can help reduce tooth interference. This is because having more teeth distributes the load over a larger area, reducing the likelihood of interference between teeth.

Explanation:
- In a gear pair, the number of teeth on each gear affects the contact ratio, which is the ratio of the arc of action to the circular pitch. A higher contact ratio indicates smoother operation and less likelihood of tooth interference.
- By increasing the number of gear teeth, the contact ratio is increased, which helps in reducing tooth interference.
- Additionally, having more teeth also allows for smaller individual tooth profiles, which can help in reducing the chances of interference between adjacent teeth.

Other options:
- Decreasing center distance between gear pair: Decreasing the center distance between the gear pair can help in reducing backlash and increasing the meshing stiffness, but it may not directly address the issue of tooth interference.
- Decreasing module: Decreasing the module results in smaller gear teeth, which may increase the chances of tooth interference rather than reducing it.
- Decreasing pressure angle: The pressure angle affects the tooth profile and strength of the gears but may not have a direct impact on reducing tooth interference.

The stub tooth is
  • a)
    a non-standard profile of tooth
  • b)
    a basic rack of straight sides except for the fillet arc
  • c)
    longer than standard tooth-depth
  • d)
    shorter than standard tooth-depth
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

20° stub involute system have following features:
  • Shorter addendum and shorter dedendum
  • Smaller interference as compared to full depth involute
  • Drive is more compact
  • Stronger than full depth involute teeth
  • Lower production cost as less metal must be cut away
The main draw back of this system is that the contact ratio is reduced due to shorter addendum.

Large pressure angle of the gear results in
  • a)
    Weaker teeth
  • b)
    Wider base and stronger teeth
  • c)
    Bigger size of gear
  • d)
    Smaller size of gear
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Nayanika Yadav answered
Explanation:

When discussing gears, the pressure angle refers to the angle between the line of action and the common tangent to the pitch circles of two meshing gears. The pressure angle affects several factors related to gear design and performance.

1. Definition of pressure angle:
The pressure angle is defined as the angle between the direction of the force acting on the gear tooth and the line perpendicular to the tooth surface at the point of contact. It is typically measured in degrees.

2. Effect on gear strength:
The pressure angle has a significant impact on the strength of the gear teeth. A larger pressure angle results in wider gear teeth, which increases the contact area between the meshing gears. This wider base provides better load distribution across the tooth face, resulting in stronger teeth that can withstand higher loads without deformation or failure.

3. Effect on gear size:
A larger pressure angle leads to a wider gear base, which requires a larger gear size. This means that gears with a large pressure angle will have a larger diameter and overall size compared to gears with a smaller pressure angle.

4. Other considerations:
While a larger pressure angle can improve gear strength, there are some trade-offs to consider. Gears with a larger pressure angle may experience increased sliding and friction during operation, which can lead to higher power losses and reduced efficiency. Additionally, larger pressure angles may require modifications to the gear design, such as stronger materials or increased tooth thickness, which can increase the cost and complexity of gear manufacturing.

Conclusion:
In summary, a larger pressure angle in gears results in wider gear teeth, which provide a stronger base and better load distribution. However, it also leads to larger gear size and potential drawbacks such as increased sliding and manufacturing complexities. Hence, option 'B' is the correct answer as it accurately describes the impact of a large pressure angle on gear design.

The gears are interchangeable if they have
  • a)
    the same module and pressure angle
  • b)
    the same module, pressure angle, addendums and dedendumes
  • c)
    the same module and thickness
  • d)
    the module, pressure angle, addendums, dedendums and same thickness
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Aditya Jain answered
Interchangeability of Gears

Gears are mechanical components that transmit power and motion between two rotating shafts. Interchangeability of gears is an important aspect of gear design and manufacturing. Interchangeability ensures that gears can be easily replaced without the need for costly modifications or adjustments.

Factors affecting Interchangeability of Gears

There are several factors that affect the interchangeability of gears. These include:

1. Module - The module is the ratio of the pitch diameter to the number of teeth in a gear. Gears with the same module can be interchanged.

2. Pressure Angle - The pressure angle is the angle between the line of action and the tangent to the pitch circle of a gear. Gears with the same pressure angle can be interchanged.

3. Addendums and Dedendums - The addendum is the distance between the pitch circle and the top of the gear tooth. The dedendum is the distance between the pitch circle and the bottom of the gear tooth. Gears with the same addendums and dedendums can be interchanged.

4. Thickness - The thickness of the gears must also be the same to ensure interchangeability.

Therefore, the correct option for the given question is option 'D', which includes all the factors affecting the interchangeability of gears.

If a reduction ratio of about 50 is required in a gear drive then the most appropriate gearing would be
  • a)
    spur gears
  • b)
    bevel gears
  • c)
    double helical gears
  • d)
    worm and worm wheel
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Nishanth Basu answered
Reduction Ratio and Gear Types

Reduction ratio refers to the ratio of the number of teeth on the driven gear to the number of teeth on the driving gear. A reduction ratio of 50 means that the driven gear has 50 times fewer teeth than the driving gear. In this case, the most appropriate gearing would be worm and worm wheel.

Worm and Worm Wheel Gearing

Worm and worm wheel gearing is a type of gearing in which a worm (a type of screw) meshes with a worm wheel (a type of gear). The worm has a helical thread that wraps around the circumference of a cylindrical shaft, while the worm wheel has teeth that mesh with the worm. The worm wheel is usually made of bronze or other soft metals, while the worm is made of steel or other hard metals.

Advantages of Worm and Worm Wheel Gearing

1. High Reduction Ratio: Worm and worm wheel gearing can achieve very high reduction ratios, making it suitable for applications where a large speed reduction is required.

2. Compact Design: Worm and worm wheel gearing has a compact design, which allows for the use of smaller and lighter components.

3. Self-Locking: Worm and worm wheel gearing is self-locking, which means that the gear cannot be turned by the worm when the drive is stopped. This makes it ideal for applications where there is a need for holding a load in a fixed position.

4. Smooth Operation: Worm and worm wheel gearing operates smoothly and quietly, making it ideal for applications where noise and vibration are a concern.

Disadvantages of Worm and Worm Wheel Gearing

1. Lower Efficiency: Worm and worm wheel gearing has a lower efficiency compared to other types of gearing, which means that more power is lost in the form of heat.

2. Limited Speed: Worm and worm wheel gearing has a limited speed range, which makes it unsuitable for high-speed applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if a reduction ratio of about 50 is required in a gear drive, the most appropriate gearing would be worm and worm wheel. This type of gearing has a high reduction ratio, a compact design, is self-locking, and operates smoothly. However, it has a lower efficiency and a limited speed range.

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