What is a common cause of damage to gears in mechanical systems?

In mechanical systems, a common cause of damage to gears is improper film or insufficient oil film. Lubrication is essential for reducing friction between moving parts, and an adequate oil film allows for smooth operation. When the oil film is insufficient, it can lead to metal-to-metal contact, resulting in wear, pitting, and eventual failure of the gear teeth. This situation can be exacerbated by factors such as contamination, the choice of lubricants, or inadequate maintenance routines that fail to ensure proper lubrication levels.

The other options, while they can contribute to gear damage, do not specifically highlight the crucial role of lubrication in protecting the gears. For instance, excessive lubricant use may lead to different issues, such as overheating or foaming, rather than a failure due to a lack of lubrication. Increased temperatures can accelerate the degradation of lubricants but usually correlate more closely with lubrication issues rather than being a direct cause of gear damage. Incorrect component alignment can lead to improper load distribution and increased wear but hinges on other factors as well, including lubrication quality.