What is defined as the space between the teeth of two gears in mesh?

The space between the teeth of two gears in mesh is referred to as backlash. Backlash is an essential characteristic in gears as it allows for slight movement without causing damage to the teeth, particularly when there is thermal expansion or misalignment. It is a necessary design consideration, ensuring that gears can engage and disengage smoothly while maintaining the required operational efficiency.

In mechanical design, proper backlash also helps prevent binding when gears are under load, which can occur due to tolerances in manufacturing or installation. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in the performance and longevity of gear systems, ensuring that gears do not engage too tightly, which could lead to excessive wear or failure over time.

Understanding the concept of backlash is important for engineers as they design gear systems to achieve the desired precision and performance in machinery.