Influence of carrier geometry and kinematic connections on planetary gear mesh behavior

摘要

Planetary gears are widely used in automotive and aerospace applications as they cater to high power density requirements. Planetary system allows for multiple combinations of kinematic connections to provide various torques and speeds. Planets are housed in a carrier which is subjected to bending and torsion under loading. Carrier deflections are dependent on its geometry and heavily influence the gear mesh behavior.Majority of the automotive transmissions use a planetary with ring held and carrier as output in low gear states. Ring is held in various forms based on the packaging constraints. This study is intended to quantify the influence of carrier geometry and the boundary conditions on gear mesh behavior.The proposed study is performed through simulations. Simulations are performed using 3D FEA tool Gear System Analysis Modules (GSAM) with Calyx contact solver. Carrier geometry is parameterized, and several carrier designs combined with torque transfer locations are analyzed. Influence of kinematic connections on the ring gear in the form of stresses and deformations is studied for various boundary conditions of holding it stationary on the outer diameter, fixing front or back end of the ring.