Title: Load sharing characteristics of multi-stage planetary gear train using analytical and finite element model

Authors: Sheng Li; Zhiqiang Zhang; Jinping Dong

Addresses: Wuhan Second Ship Design and Research Institute, Wu Han 430205, China; School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wu Han 430072, China ' School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wu Han 430072, China ' School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wu Han 430072, China

Abstract: The dynamic load sharing characteristics of a two-stage planetary gear train are analysed using (a) a lumped-parameter analytical model and (b) a finite element model. Both models include time-varying mesh stiffness, several manufacturing errors and assembly variations. The varying step Gill numerical integration algorithm is used to solve Model (a), where lumped inertias represent gears, nonlinear springs with periodically varying stiffness represent gear meshes, and linear springs represent supports. Model (b) is developed from a finite element-contact analysis of gear dynamics and solved using dynamic explicit algorithm. Time-varying mesh stiffness excitation, tooth contact and loss are intrinsic to Model (b). All errors deemed as approximately equivalent to a comprehensive mesh error are also considered. Float system parameters, assembly variations, and manufacturing errors are identified to quantify their effects on dynamic load sharing factor. Results from the two models are compared qualitatively and quantitatively validating the effectiveness of the both.

Keywords: multi-stage planetary geartrain; nonlinear dynamics; finite element method; FEM; analytical modelling; load sharing; time-varying mesh stiffness; manufacturing errors; assembly variations; gear dynamics; lumped inertias; gears; nonlinear springs; gear meshes; linear springs; supports; tooth contact.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2016.074448

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2016 Vol.53 No.2, pp.107 - 120

Published online: 31 Jan 2016 *

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