A Study on the Dynamic Characteristics of an Epicyclic Gear Train with Journal Bearing 1999-01-1052

The dynamic behavior of an epicyclic gear train (EGT) with planet gears supported by journal bearing has been analyzed. The nonlinear stiffness of the gear teeth mesh was considered in the dynamic equations. Hydrodynamic bearing analysis on the fluid film between the planet gears and the shafts was executed to calculate the non-linear equivalent stiffness and damping coefficients. Interactive reactions between the gear dynamics and the bearing characteristics has been included. By this analysis, the gear tooth mesh forces at the sun/planet (S/P) and the planet/ring (P/R) gear meshes, the loci of the sun gear as well as planet and ring gear center, and bearing forces on the planet gear shaft have been calculated. Experiments have also been carried out to compare the calculated results using a simple star type planetary gear train. Calculated results have good correlation with experimental values.