Multibody Simulation of Helical Gear Noise and Vibration Behavior Using MSC ADAMS

The premium electric-vehicle market demands exceptionally quiet transmissions because the absence of engine masking makes gearbox noise more perceptible. Virtual NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) evaluation requires coupling elastic deformation, gear–tooth contact, and vibration transmission through bearings and housing within a single environment. This study develops an integrated workflow in MSC ADAMS for predicting the NVH behavior of a 23/81-tooth helical gear pair. Finite element-based flank stiffness is imported, and a nonlinear contact model is applied to flexible teeth. Baseline simulation at 50 Nm and 200 rpm yields a static transmission error (TE) of 7.5 µm and a dynamic peak-to-peak TE of 0.7 µm, with the fundamental mesh tone at 77 Hz. Increasing tip relief by +0.10 mm lowers RMS TE by 31% and the first mesh order by 3.1 dB while raising the flank pressure from 1.65 GPa to 1.88 GPa. The workflow efficiently supports early-stage gear-noise optimization prior to the development of physical prototypes.