For an SSTG with helical gears, what is the necessary reduction gear tooth contact?

The necessary reduction gear tooth contact for an SSTG (Steam Turbine Generator) with helical gears is 80 percent of the face width. This percentage ensures adequate contact between the gear teeth, which is critical for proper load distribution and minimizing wear.

Helical gears are designed to handle higher forces and have the advantage of engaging more gradually than spur gears, which allows for smoother operation and reduced noise. Ensuring that 80 percent of the face width is utilized for tooth contact indicates that there is sufficient engagement area to handle the operational loads while also providing a safety margin against tooth failure.

Utilizing 80 percent of the face width helps to optimize both the performance of the gear train and its longevity. Insufficient tooth contact would lead to increased wear, overheating, and potential failure, which is why this specific percentage is established as a standard in engineering practices for helical gear applications.