Gearbox synchronization. Modeling

A mechanical system model is an abstraction of an observed reality. It generally takes the form of a set of behavioral equations, the resolution of which yields numerical values. The results are then useful either for understanding or predicting behavior, or for designing and even controlling the system itself. Naturally, a model is capable of limited predictions within a defined validity domain. Thus, the success of a design depends in part on the representativeness of the models used. Moreover, during the design phase, the degree of complexity of the models used evolves from the lowest to the highest. Finally, the time, means and energy available to establish a model and solve the equations remain limited: simplifications, by globalizing causes and effects, are often necessary.

The creation of a model relies to a large extent on an engineer's perception of how the system works. This perception is made difficult either by the number of interacting parts, or by the geometric scale (large or small) on which the phenomena occur, or by the time taken for operations to unfold. In the case of mechanical gearbox synchronizers, the overall operating time is short, with a variety of successive phases, the interlocking of all elements is high, and the geometric position of each element is dependent. Modeling must therefore address all these aspects.

This article follows on from the article "Gearbox synchronizers. Characteristics" and precedes the article "Gearbox synchronizers. Behaviour".