Optimization of transmission gear of personnel airlock for in-service nuclear power plant

ANSYS finite element analysis program was used to analyze the stresses of the transmission gear for an in-service nuclear power plant in China, and the causes for tooth rupture were found. The transmission torque was so large that the calculated stress exceeded the allowable stress limit of the material, which caused a root rupture accident of the transmission gear. Combined with the causes of tooth rupture for transmission gear, optimization was performed based on material selection and structural improving design. The optimized design scheme passed stress analysis and evaluation. The results show that the calculated stresses of the optimized transmission gear and the sector gear were smaller than the allowable stress limits of the material. The optimized scheme effectively reduced the stress level of the transmission gear, and obviously improved the safety and reliability of the transmission gear operation for personnel airlock. (authors)