Gears: factor governing surface endurance (pitting) strength. Identify the material property that most directly influences the surface endurance limit in contact (Hertzian) stress for gears. Choose the correct option.
Mechanical Engineering
Machine Design
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AElastic strength
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BYield strength
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CBrinell hardness number (BHN)
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DToughness
Answer
Correct Answer: Brinell hardness number (BHN)
Explanation
ConceptSurface endurance (pitting resistance) under Hertzian contact correlates strongly with surface hardness. Brinell hardness number (or similar hardness scales) is used in gear contact stress formulas (e.g., via allowable contact stress).
Why BHNHigher hardness generally raises the allowable contact stress and delay pitting compared to yield/toughness alone.
Final AnswerBrinell hardness number (BHN)