Gears and Transmissions: Quintessential Mechanical Design

Abstract

If there is one image that epitomizes mechanical engineering, indeed engineering itself among the non-engineers, it is the gear. I will pass up the term “gearhead” in the urban dictionary (look it up if you care) and settle just for Meriam-Webster's definition: a person who pursues mechanical or technological interests. These days, looking at the new hybrid automotive vehicle transmissions, one can only marvel at the elegance, efficiency, and reliability of this electromechanical embrace. JMD has long served as a host of the Power Transmission and Gearing (PTG) Technical Committee and has benefited from the continuing stream of high quality publications of its members. Among all Design Division technical committees, PTG has probably the best participation from practicing engineers.