In this research, a detailed finite-element (FE) analysis of the combined influence of the drilled-hole position, the shape of the hole, and the fillet design on the structural and dynamic performance of spur gears is investigated. ANSYS R16.2 was used to create a three-dimensional numerical model that can be used to assess the bending stress distribution and vibration response under realistic loading conditions. A trochoidal fillet and four circular fillet radii (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mm) were studied to determine their effect on the stress concentration behavior. FE-guided hole-suggestion process was introduced which is an automated process in which low-stress zones to be cut away are identified so as to allow systematic recommendation of optimal locations, orientations and size of holes without any empirical relation. It was found that root stress decreased dramatically as fillet radius was increased, and 2 mm fillet had the minimum bending stress of all circular arrangements. The baseline configuration (Rf = 0.5 mm, without holes) exhibited a maximum bending stress of 69.45 MPa, whereas increasing the fillet radius to 2.0 mm resulted in a stress reduction of approximately 35%. The trochoidal fillet provided less stress gradients and a larger zone of low stress surrounding the tooth root. The holes proposed by FE were further incorporated, which increased structural performance. Hole size out of the chosen geometric parameters was statistically most impactful on bending stress and dynamic response, which ANOVA proved to be accurate (p < 0.001). The holes in the top the most desirable performance were medium-size (≈2.0–2.4 mm) drilled horizontally, which minimized bending stress by about 46%–50% relative to the baseline gear and ensured very low peak dynamic displacement (∼3.4 × 10 −5 m at approximately 73 Hz). Structural integrity is well enhanced by optimizing fillet radius and drilled holes sizes, directions, and locations regarding the strength and dynamic stability. The proposed methodology offers a reliable and scientifically grounded framework for gear modification with strong potential for integration into advanced gear design and light weighting applications.
