Reduction of Vibration and Noise Generated by Planetary Ring Gears in Helicopter Aircraft Transmissions

Rotor-drive gearboxes are major noise sources in helicopter aircraft. Narrow-band examination of this noise often indicates the presence of several or more very high, narrow noise peaks, which are located at gearbox mesh frequencies or their multiples. Important exceptions are sideband noise components, located so near the main signal component as to be indistinguishable except by very narrow band reduction. Noise of this type is most effectively treated through a systematic study of the flow of high-frequency vibration energy in the drive train. Such studies should examine the mechanism by which gear meshes generate vibrations, and the vibration response of the gearbox components which support the gears. Results of such calculations are presented for the planetary reduction ring-gear casing elements in the Boeing-Vertol CH-47 forward rotor-drive gearbox and the Bell UH-1D main rotor-drive gearbox. The calculations indicate logical reasons why noise is generated. Typical ring-gear casing design changes are examined for noise reduction.