Effect of Internal Gear Flexibility on the Quasi-Static Behavior of a Planetary Gear Set

Abstract

Effect of flexibility of an internal gear on the quasi-static behavior of a planetary gear set is investigated. A state-of-the-art finite elements/semi-analytical nonlinear contact mechanics formulation is employed to model a typical automotive automatic transmission planetary unit. The model considers each gear as deformable bodies and meshes them to predict loads, stresses and deformations of the gears. Actual support and spline conditions are included in the model. The rim thickness of the internal gear is varied relative to the tooth height and gear deflections and bending stresses are quantified as a function of rim thickness. Influence of rim thickness on the load sharing amongst the planets is also investigated with and without floating sun gear condition. The results are discussed in detail and guidelines regarding the design of a planetary internal gear are presented.