What design feature of turning gear teeth helps mitigate operational noise?

The design feature of turning gear teeth that helps mitigate operational noise is the angled set. When gear teeth are designed with an angle, it allows for smoother engagement and disengagement during operation. This curved engagement reduces the impact and shock forces that can create noise as the teeth mesh together. The angled design helps distribute the load more evenly across the tooth surface, which minimizes vibration and noise levels.

In contrast, straight alignment does not provide the same benefits for noise reduction, as the teeth may engage too abruptly. Variable size teeth could create inconsistencies in meshing, potentially leading to increased noise due to irregular engagement. Reinforced material, while improving strength and durability, does not directly address the issue of noise produced during operational interactions of the gears.