Influence of the Operating Conditions of Two-Degree-of-Freedom Planetary Gear Trains on Tooth Friction Losses

Abstract

In a planetary gear train (PGT), the power loss by tooth friction is a function of the potential power developed within the gear train elements rather than that being transmitted through it. In the present work, we focus on the operating conditions of two-degree-of-freedom (two-DOF) PGTs. Any operating condition induces its own internal power flow pattern; this implies that tooth friction loss depends on the mechanism of power loss developed in the gearing that differs from one case to another over the entire range of operating conditions. The approach adopted in this paper stems from a unification of the kinematics and tooth friction losses of PGTs and is based on potential powers and power ratios. The range of applicability of the power relations is investigated and clearly defined, and tooth friction loss formulas obtained by their use are tabulated. A short comparison with formulas currently available in the literature is also made. The simplicity of the proposed method for analyzing two-input or two-output planetary gear trains is helpful in the design, optimization, and control of hybrid transmissions. It assists particularly in choosing correctly the appropriate operating conditions to the involved application.