What is the required gear tooth contact after installing new bearings on an SSTG reduction gear?

The required gear tooth contact after installing new bearings on a Single-Screw Turbine Generator (SSTG) reduction gear is 90 percent contact. This high level of contact is essential for ensuring that the gears are properly aligned and that the load is evenly distributed across the gear teeth. It minimizes the risk of wear and potential gear failure, which can occur if the contact is insufficient or not optimized.

Achieving 90 percent contact between the gear teeth indicates that the installation has been done correctly and that the installed bearings are functioning as intended. This level of tooth contact helps to enhance the efficiency of power transmission, reduces the chances of noise and vibration, and contributes to the overall reliability of the gear system. Inspections are commonly conducted using a contact pattern analysis, where a marking compound is applied to the gear teeth before meshing to observe the pattern of contact, confirming that it meets the required standard.