Influence of manufacturing errors on the dynamic characteristics of planetary gear systems

A dynamic analysis using a hybrid finite element method was performed to characterize the effects of a number of manufacturing errors on bearing forces and critical tooth stress in the elements of a planetary gear system. Some tolerance control guidelines for managing bearing forces and critical stress are deduced from the results. The carrier indexing error for the planet assembly and planet runout error are the most critical factors in reducing the planet bearing force and maximizing load sharing, as well as in reducing the critical stress.