What is the name of the surface located between the pitch circle and bottom land of a gear tooth?

The surface located between the pitch circle and the bottom land of a gear tooth is known as the flank of the tooth. This part of the tooth plays a crucial role in the meshing of gears, as it is the area where the gears come into contact and transfer forces during operation. The flank is essential for the effective interaction between engaging gear teeth, as it influences the load distribution and contributes to the overall efficiency of power transmission.

Understanding the role of the flank is key in gear design since it affects factors such as wear, noise, and stress distribution. Proper design of the flank can lead to improved performance and durability of the gear system.