Unit IV - WORM and WORM GEARS

1. Worm gears are widely used when

(a)velocity ratio is high
(b) space is limited
(c)axes of shafts are non-intersecting
(d) all of the above
Explanation: Worm gears are used when it is required to reduce speed, Space is limited and
axes are non-intersecting mostly perpendicular
2. The lead angle of worm is given by,

Explanation: Lead angle γ = tan-1(L/ πd) = tan-1 (z1 / q)

3. The number of starts on worm for a velocity ratio of 40 is

(a) single (b) double (c) triple (d) quadruple
Explanation: As the velocity ratio is 40:1 where 1 is no of starts on the worm
4. The axial component of resultant force on worm wheel is equal to
a. tangential component on worm
b. radial component on worm
c. axial component on worm
d. none of the above
Explanation: We know that, in force analysis of worm gear drives - (Fa) 1 = (Ft)2 and (Ft)1 =
(Fa)2
5. A pair of worm gears is designated as (1/30/10/8). The center distance between the
worm and worm wheel is
(a) 160 mm (b) 30 mm (c) 80 mm (d) 96 mm
Explanation: C.D. = (d1+d2)/2, d1 = z1*q and d2 = m*z2
6. A pair of worm gears is designated as (1/30/10/8). The velocity ratio is
(a) 160 (b) 30 (c) 80 (d) 96
Explanation: V.R. = Z2 / Z1
7.The main advantage of worm gear drive is
(a) ease of manufacturing (b) high velocity ratio
(c) low power loss (d) low cost
Explanation: The worm gears are used to transmit velocity ratio is 300:1
8. To make the worm gear drive reversible, it is necessary to increase
(a) center distance (b) number of starts
(c) diametral quotient (d) velocity ratio
Explanation: A worm gear drive is said to be self-locking if the coefficient of friction is
greater than tangent of lead angle i.e. μ > tan (z1/q)
9. For proper meshing of the worm and worm wheel, the axial pitch of the worm compared
with circular pitch of worm wheel should be
(a) more (b) equal (c) less (d) none of the above
Explanation: axial pitch of the worm = circular pitch of worm wheel

10. A worm gear drive consists of double start worm meshing with a 50 teeth worm wheel.
The velocity ratio is
(a) 25 (b) 100 (c) 50 (d) 75
Explanation: G.R. for worm drive = z2 / z1 = No. of teeth on wheel/ no. of start
11. Which is of these is an advantage of worm gear?
a) It is expensive b) Has high power losses and low transmission efficiency
c) Produce a lot of heat d) Used for reducing speed and increasing torque
Explanation: Reduction of speed and increasing the torque is an advantage of worm gear.
The rest are the disadvantages of the worm gear. Worm gears are used in gate control
mechanisms, hoisting machines, automobile steering mechanisms, lifts, conveyors and
presses.
12. The distance between corresponding points on adjacent teeth measured along the
direction of the axis is called ____________
a) joint line b) normal link c) axial pitch d) lead
Explanation: Axial pitch is the distance between corresponding points on adjacent teeth
measured along the direction of the axis. The axial pitch of the worm gear is the same thing
as the circular pitch of the helical gear.
13. The angle at which the teeth are inclined to the normal of the axis of rotation is called
_________
a) pitch angle b) lead angle c) normal angle d) joint angle
Explanation: Lead angle is the angle at which the teeth are inclined to the normal of the
axis of rotation. Lead angle of the worm gear is same as the helix angle of the helical gear.
Thus, Ψ2 = λ1.
14. What is the velocity ratio of worm gears?
a) (Lπ)/d2 b) (πd2)/ L c) L/(πd2) d) d2/(Lπ)
Explanation: Velocity ratio in worm gears is given as the ratio of the angle turned by the gear to
the angle turned by the worm. Thus, velocity ratio = (2L/d2)/(2π) = l/(πd2).

15. Find the helix angle of the worm if the pitch of the worm gear is 12 mm and the pitch
diameter is 50 mm.
a) 8.687° b) 11.231° c) 9.212° d) 10.319°

Explanation: tan λ1 = Lead / Pitch circumference = 2p/πd1 = 24/50π = 0.1528

λ1 = 8.687°.

16. Find the speed of the gear if the worm is a three-start worm rotating at 500 rpm. The gear has
20 teeth.
a) 125 rpm b) 100 rpm c) 75 rpm d) 50 rpm

Explanation: N1/N2 = T2/T1 500/N2 = 20/3 N2 = 75 rpm

Thus, the gear rotates at a speed of 75 rpm.

17. For a two-start worm gear having a pitch of 20 mm and a lead angle 12°, find the centre
distance if the larger gear has 25 teeth.
a) 148.22 mm b) 124.93 mm c) 121.19 mm d) 109.53 mm

Explanation: C = (mn /2) (T1 cotλ1 + T2)

Therefore, C = (pn /2π) (T1 cotλ1 + T2) = 109.53 mm.

18. Find the maximum efficiency if the lead angle is given to be 10° and the coefficient of
friction is 0.07.
a) 79.82% b) 72.23% c) 76.29% d) 70.72%

Explanation: λ1 = 10°, ø = tan-1(0.07) = 4°

Efficiency = tan(λ1)/ tan (λ1+ ø) = 0.7072 = 70.72%

19. The distance by which a helix advances along the axis of the gear for one turn around is
called _____________
a) joint line b) normal link c) axial pitch d) lead

Explanation: Lead is the distance by which a helix advances along the axis of the gear for one
turn around. The axial pitch is equal to the lead in a single helix and the axial pitch is one half of
the lead in a double helix and so on.

20. A pair of worm gear is written as 2/40/12/6. Calculate the pitch circle diameter of worm
wheel.
a) 72mm b) 240mm c) 260mm d) 320mm

Explanation: d2 =m x z2 where m = 6 mm and z2 =40.

21. If tangential force on worm is 1500N, then axial force on worm wheel will be?
a) 1500N b) 3000N c) 1500√2 N d) 750N
Explanation: P₂(axial)=P₁(tangential).

22. Is it possible to use worm gears in cranes for lifting purpose?

a) True b) No self-locking and hence not possible
c) Possible up to a threshold load d) None of the listed

Explanation: Worm gears support self-locking operation and hence are advantageous to use in
lifting operations.

23. Which of the following is not true about worm gears?

a) Compact b) Smooth and silent operation
c) Low speed reduction d) All the mentioned are true

Explanation: Speed reduction can be high up to 100:1.

24. What is the effect of large diametral quotient on worm and worm wheel?

a. Strength and rigidity of worm shaft is high b. Efficiency of worm shaft increases
c. Worm shaft becomes weaker d. All of the above

Explanation: Large q means large diameter worm

25. A worm gear pair is designated as 1/30/10/8. What is the face width of the worm gear?
a. 30 mm b. 53.07 mm c. 58.4 mm d. 62.3 mm

Explanation: Face width (b) = [2m √q + 1]

26. If pressure angle is 22o and coefficient of friction is 0.05. What is the axial force acting on
the worm gear designated as 1/40/10/5, if tangential force of 1200 N acts on it?
a. 1241.2 N b. 2618.4 N c. 7755.1 N d. 7847.4 N

Explanation:

27. What is the axial force acting on a worm gear for a worm gear pair 1/40/9.5/10, if tangential
and axial force of 6213 N and 9236 N act respectively on the worm? (Φn = 25o & μ = 0.04)
a. 6213 N b. 9263 N c. 3050 N d. Insufficient data
Explanation:

28. A gear box having surface area of 0.30 m 2 has overall heat transfer coefficient of 23 W/m 2 o
C, when a fan is mounted on worm shaft to circulate air on fins. What is the power transmitting
capacity of a gear box based on thermal considerations, if temperature rise of lubricating oil is 50
o
C? (Assume λ = 6o, Φn = 22o & μ = 0.05)
a. 1.023 kW b. 1.006 kW c. 1.227 kW d. 2.000 kW

Explanation:
29. Which of the following relations is true? (where n w = worm speed, n g = worm gear speed, z
g = number of teeth on worm gear, z w = number of starts on worm)

a. nw α (1/zg) b. nw / ng = zg /zw c. nw / ng = zw /zp d. nw zg = ng zw

Explanation: G.R. in case of worm gears nw / ng = zw /zp

30. In worm gears, pitch lead angle is,

a. Half the angle between two inclined faces in axial plane
b. The angle between the tangent to the pitch helix and the plane of rotation
c. The angle between the tangent to the pitch helix and an element of the cylinder
d. None of the above

Explanation: Definition of lead angle γ

31. Large speed reductions (greater than 20) in one stage of a gear train are possible through
(a) Spur gearing (b) Worm gearing (c) Bevel gearing (d) Helical gearing

Explanation: Speed reduction can be high up to 100:1.

32. A 1.5 kW motor is running at 1440 rev/min. It is to be connected to a stirrer running at 36 rev
/min. The gearing arrangement suitable for this application is

(a) Differential gear (b) helical gear

(c) Spur gear (d) worm gear

Explanation: Speed Reduction = 1440/36 = 40

33. To make a worm drive reversible, it is necessary to increase

(a) centre distance (b) worm diameter factor
(c) Number of starts (d) reduction ratio

Explanation: A worm-gear drive is said to be reversible if the coefficient of friction is less than
tangent of lead angle
34. Assertion (A): Tapered roller bearings must be used in heavy duty worm gear
speed reducers.
Reason (R): Tapered roller bearings are suitable for large radial as well as axial
loads.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

35. Consider the following statements in respect of worm gears:

1. They are used for very high-speed reductions.
2. The velocity ratio does not depend on the helix angle of the worm.
3. The axes of worm and gear are generally perpendicular and non-intersecting.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

36. For a speed ratio of 100 smallest gear box is obtained by using which of the
following?
(a) A pair of spur gears
(b) A pair of bevels and a pair of spur gears in compound gear train
(c) A pair of helical and a pair of spur gears in compound gear train
(d) A pair of helical and a pair of worm gears in compound gear train

37. Consider the following statements regarding improvement of efficiency of worm gear drive:
1. Efficiency can be improved by increasing the spiral angle of worm thread to 45o or more
2. Efficiency can be improved by adopting proper lubrication
3. Efficiency can be improved by adopting worm diameter as small as practicable to reduce
sliding between worm-threads and wheel teeth
4. Efficiency can be improved by adopting convex tooth profile both for worm and wheel
Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4 (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4

Explanation: where and

The face of worm gear is made concave to envelope the worm.

38. The lead angle of a worm is 22.5 deg. Its helix angle will be
(a) 22. 5 deg. (b) 45 deg. (c) 67.5 deg. (d) 90°C.

Explanation: α = Pressure angle ≅ lead angle; α + β = 90°; β = helix angle = 90° - 22.5° =
67.5°
39. If reduction ratio of about 50 is required in a gear drive, then the most appropriate gearing
would be
(a) spur gears (b) bevel gears
(c) Double helical gears (d) worm and worm wheel

40. Speed reduction in a gear box is achieved using a worm and worm wheel. The worm wheel
has 30 teeth and a pitch diameter of 210 mm. If the pressure angle of the worm is 20o, what is the
axial pitch of the worm?
(a) 7 mm (b) 22 mm (c) 14 mm (d) 63 mm

Explanation:m =210/30 = 7 and Px = π m = 22/7 × 7 = 22 mm

Axial pitch = circular pitch of the worm wheel= π m

41. A speed reducer unit consists of a double-threaded worm of pitch = 11 mm and a worm wheel
of pitch diameter = 84 mm. The ratio of the output torque to the input torque is
(a) 7·6 (b) 12 (c) 24 (d) 42

Explanation:

42. A pair of worm gears is designated as,1/30/10/8, the centre distance between two shafts is
(a) 160 (b) 150 (c) 170 (d) 80

Explanation: a = ½ (m q + z2)
43. A pair of worm gears is designated as,1/30/10/8, the outside diameter of the worm in mm is
(a) 80 (b) 96 (c) 88 (d) 72

Explanation: da1 = m (q + 2)

44. A pair of worm and worm wheel is designated as 3/60/10/6. The worm is transmitting to the
worm wheel. The lead angle γ is
(a) 73.30 (b) 11.30 (c) 5.710 (d) 16.70

Explanation:

45. A pair of worm and worm wheel is designated as 3/60/10/6. The worm is transmitting 5 kW
power at 1440 rpm to the worm wheel. The coefficient of friction is 0.1 and the normal pressure
angle is 20°. Axial components of tooth force acting on worm wheel is in N
(a) 2632.55 (b) 1105.24 (c) 1033.35 (d) None of the above

Explanation: In case of worm gear drives, where

46. A pair of worm gear designated as 2/52/l0/4 transmit l0 kW power at 720 rpm supplied to
worm shaft. The coefficient of friction is 0.04 and pressure angle is 20. Assume worm is above
the worm gear and rotates clockwise direction when viewed from left. If worm is left hand, then
direction of radial component on the worm wheel is
(a) opposite to the direction of rotation (b) same as the direction of rotation
(c) towards the centre of the worm (d) towards the centre of the worm wheel

Explanation: The radial component always acts towards the centre of gear

47. In worm gears, the power transmitting capacity based on beam strength is given by,

where, Mt is
(a) the lower value of permissible torque (b) the higher value of permissible torque
(c) permissible torque (d) none of the above

Explanation: In above formula, (Mt) is the lower value between (Mt)1 and (Mt)2

48. A worm gear box with an effective surface area of 1.5 m2 is operating in still air with a heat
transfer coefficient of 15 W/m2°C. The temperature rise of the lubricating oil above the
atmospheric temperature is limited to 50°C. Efficiency of the drive is 79.45 percent, then power
transmitting capacity based on thermal considerations will be in kW
(a) 5047 (b) 50.47 (c) 5.47 (d) 504.7

Explanation:

49. The maximum permissible torque that the worm wheel can withstand without pitting failure,
is given by where Sc and Xc are
(a) speed factor and surface stress factor for the wear
(b) surface stress and speed factor for the wear
(c) bending stress factor and speed factor for strength of worm
(d) speed factor and bending stress factor for strength of worm

50. A pair of worm gear designated as 2/52/l0/4 transmit 12.5 kW power at 900 rpm supplied to
worm shaft. The coefficient of friction is 0.04 and pressure angle is 20 degree. Assume worm is
above the worm gear and rotates anticlockwise direction when viewed from left. If worm is left
hand, direction of axial component on worm is
(a) towards right side (b) towards left side
(c) towards the centre on worm (d) towards the centre on worm wheel