Influence of Design Parameters on Mechanical Power Losses of Planetary Gear Sets

Abstract

Mechanical (load-dependent) power losses of a planetary gear set occurs primarily along its lubricated rolling-sliding interfaces at the external and internal gear meshes, and planet bearings. The gear mesh originated portion of these losses are influenced by all key gear parameter, tooth profile correction and other parameters dictating the fluid film formation. In this study, a systematic planetary gear design search algorithm is combined with an efficiency formulation to (i) quantify the sensitivity of gear mesh mechanical losses of planetary gear sets to the basic gear design parameters and (ii) investigate the compromise that must take place between the mechanical efficiency and other functional attributes associated with durability and noise performance of the gear set. An example design study is presented at the end to demonstrate both of these points.