A theoretical study of the overall transmission error in planetary gear sets

In this study, a theoretical investigation on the overall loaded motion transmission error of planetary gear sets is presented. Planetary gear set load distribution model is employed to predict the input-to-output transmission error of planetary gear sets having distinct planet phasing conditions, to establish nominal transmission error behavior. Impact of carrier manufacturing errors resulting in unequal planet-to-planet load sharing on the gear set transmission error is quantified. Gear manufacturing imperfections such as run-out errors at their relative angles are introduced to observe their signatures on the resultant transmission error. Simplified formulations are presented to combine individual gear mesh transmission error functions with required modifications in order to obtain the overall transmission error. The predicted transmission error time histories are examined in the frequency domain to explore their diagnostic value in determining what errors the gear set possesses.