Design & Analysis

of
Worm Gear
Worm gears are used for transmitting power between two non-parallel,
non-intersecting shafts. High gear ratios of 200:1 can be achieved.
 Types of Worms
The following are the two types of worms :
1. Cylindrical or straight worm, and
2. Cone or double enveloping worm.
 Types of Worm Gears

The following three types of worm gears are important from the subject
point of view :
• Straight face worm gear, as shown in Fig.(a),
• Hobbed straight face worm gear, as shown in Fig.(b)
• Concave face worm gear, as shown in Fig. (c).
 Terminology
Axial pitch:
It is also known as linear pitch of a worm. It is the distance measured
axially from a point on one thread to the corresponding point on the
adjacent point on the worm.
Lead:
It is the linear distance through which a point on a thread moves ahead
in one revolution of the worm.
Lead angle:
It is the angle between the tangent to the thread helix on the pitch
cylinder and the plane normal to the axis of the worm. Itis denoted by λ.
Tooth pressure angle:
It is measured in a plane containing the axis of the worm and is equal to one-
half the thread profile angle.
Normal pitch:
It is a distance measured along the normal to the threads between two
corresponding points on two adjacent threads of the worm.
Helix angle:
It is the angle between the tangent to the thread helix on the pitch cylinder and
the axis of the worm.
Velocity ratio:
It is the ratio of speed of worm in r.p.m to the speed of worm gear in r.p.m.
 Some Important points
• The geometry of a worm is similar to that of a power screw. Rotation
of the worm simulates a linearly advancing involute rack.
• The geometry of a worm gear is similar to that of a helical gear, except
that the teeth are curved to envelop the worm.
• Enveloping the gear gives a greater area of contact but requires
extremely precise mounting.
• As with a spur or helical gear, the pitch diameter of a worm gear is
related to its circular pitch and number of teeth Z by the formula
d=mz
• The pitch diameter of a worm is not a function of its number of threads,
Z.
• This means that the velocity ratio of a worm gear set is determined by the
ratio of gear teeth to worm threads; it is not equal to the ratio of gear and
worm diameters.
• Worm gears usually have at least 24 teeth, and the number of gear teeth
plus worm threads should be more than 40.
MATERIALS USED:
FOR WORM:
• CAST IRON
• ALLOY STEEL
• CAST STEELS
• CARBON STEELS
FOR WORM WHEEL:
• ALUMINIUM
• BRASS
• COPPER
• PLASTIC
 APPLICATIONS
• Applications where fast braking or stopping is desired
— Lifts, elevators and hoists
• Applications where noise is a concern
— Theatres, airports and elevators
• Applications where space is a concern
— Packaging equipment, small machinery and conveyors
• Applications with shock loading
— Rock crushers and other heavy duty machinery
 POINTS TO NOTE

• The pitch diameter of a worm is not a function of its number of

threads, Z.
• This means that the velocity ratio of a worm gear set is determined by
the ratio of gear teeth to worm threads; it is not equal to the ratio of
gear and worm diameters.
ADVANTAGES
• High speed reduction.
• More compact as compared to spur or helical gear
• drives for same value of speed reduction
• Operation is smooth and silent
• Provision can be made for self-locking. (i.e. motion is
• transmitted only from worm to wheel)
DISADVANTAGES
• Lower efficiency
• Costlier
• Considerable heat generation
How worm gear works
• The worm (screw) continuously rotates and drives the worm
wheel (meshed with it). Worm and worm gear form a lower pair
as they have sliding contact with each other.
• In a worm gear drive, power is always transmitted from worm to
worm wheel. Power cannot be transmitted from worm wheel to
worm. This phenomenon is called self-locking. It is highly useful
in many applications.
• Velocity ratio is determined by the number of teeth on worm gear
and the number starts on worm. Power transmission decreases
with increase in velocity ratio.
Formula used :
Forces acting on Worm Gear: