Review on logarithmic spiral bevel gear

Logarithmic spiral bevel gear (LSBG) has received increasing attention among industry and academy in the past four decades. This paper attempts to survey and summarize the recent research and development of LSBG, provides comprehensive references for researchers concerning with this topic and helps them identify further research topics. The objective of this paper is to review published papers about LSBG focused on three topics: mathematical model, simulation analysis, processing and manufacturing. More specifically, this review is composed of three related parts according to the above three topics. The first part summarizes the method of building the three-dimensional (3D) gear models of LSBG including sweeping method, cutting principle method and tooth surface equation method. The second part involves the dynamic research of LSBG based on 3D gear models, which provides a basis in the design of LSBG. The final part reviews the method of manufacturing LSBG including CNC machining centers and special machine tools. The special machine tool processing method involves local conjugate principle and generating method. The well-known open problems about LSBG are finally stated, and some new research interests are also pointed out. The review will provide valuable references for further research on LSBG and other types of spiral bevel gears.