A method to accurately predict gear root stress for parallel axis gears is explored using a combination of three analysis
techniques: boundary elements, elastic body contact analysis, and the moment-image method. The method is
computationally faster than three -dimensional finite element programs and avoids the use of semi- empirical
relationships. The three techniques are combined to determine gear root stress across the face width and predict these
stresses through the mesh cycle for both spur and helical gears. The method allows the user the flexibility to determine
stress at any mesh position. This is in contrastto semi- -empirical methods that typically determine stress for a single load
position in the mesh cycle at a single stress location on the gear tooth. The root stress predictions are compared to both
experimental strain gage results and finite element modeling techniques for verification. Results are presented for the
prediction of load distribution factors as a function of misalignment and crowning types with comparisons being made
with AGMA factors.