Based on the analysis of the characteristics for different typical meshing states

a dynamic contact finite element analysis method

considering the variation of the engaged tooth pairs

the loaded elastic deformations and the sliding friction

was presented for the continuous engaged gear pairs. Then the dynamic transmission errors and the dynamic contact force for three kinds of continuous engaged gear models were compared using the presented method

and the effects of each factor on the dynamic meshing characteristics were obtained. The results show that the presented method is effective on simulating the more actual dynamic meshing characteristics of continuous engaged gear pairs in single or double tooth pair contact

including the pitch point impact caused by sliding friction

the meshing impact and the time-varying meshing stiffness excitation caused by elastic deformation. The impact force and time of the approach and recess meshing impact

the influence of the sliding friction and tooth profile modification on dynamic meshing characteristics were also obtained by the presented method. And the dynamic meshing characteristics gotten from the presented method is quite accordant with the characteristics of the continuous engaged gear drives for typical meshing states.