Backlash of main engine reduction gears refers to what?

Backlash of main engine reduction gears refers to what?

• A. The gear play between the surfaces of the teeth in mesh measured at the pitch circle
• B. The total weight of the gears
• C. The noise produced by the gears in operation
• D. The lubrication level in the gears

Answer: (A)

Backlash in main engine reduction gears specifically refers to the play or clearance that occurs between the meshing teeth of the gears, which is measured at the pitch circle. This space is crucial for allowing the gears to move without binding and helps to account for thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances. It ensures smooth operation and prevents excessive wear, noise, and potential damage during gear engagement and disengagement. A proper amount of backlash is necessary for the effective functioning of gears to avoid issues like gear teeth galling or seizing. The other choices do not accurately describe what backlash represents in gear systems. The total weight of the gears is a separate consideration that affects the design and mounting but does not relate to the operation of the gears through their teeth. The noise produced by gears might indicate issues with backlash or lubrication, but it hardly defines the concept of backlash itself. Similarly, lubrication level is critical for gear function and longevity, but it does not pertain to the distance or clearance measured between gear teeth. Therefore, the choice addressing the clearance between meshing teeth is the most accurate representation of backlash.

Backlash in main engine reduction gears specifically refers to the play or clearance that occurs between the meshing teeth of the gears, which is measured at the pitch circle. This space is crucial for allowing the gears to move without binding and helps to account for thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances. It ensures smooth operation and prevents excessive wear, noise, and potential damage during gear engagement and disengagement. A proper amount of backlash is necessary for the effective functioning of gears to avoid issues like gear teeth galling or seizing.

The other choices do not accurately describe what backlash represents in gear systems. The total weight of the gears is a separate consideration that affects the design and mounting but does not relate to the operation of the gears through their teeth. The noise produced by gears might indicate issues with backlash or lubrication, but it hardly defines the concept of backlash itself. Similarly, lubrication level is critical for gear function and longevity, but it does not pertain to the distance or clearance measured between gear teeth. Therefore, the choice addressing the clearance between meshing teeth is the most accurate representation of backlash.