Effects of variable loading conditions on the dynamic behaviour of planetary gear with power recirculation

Variable loads to which gearboxes are subjected are considered as one of the main sources of non-stationarity in these transmissions. In order to characterise their dynamic behaviour in such conditions, a torsional lumped parameter model of a planetary gear with power recirculation was developed. The model included time varying loading conditions and took into account the non-linearity of contact between teeth. The meshing stiffness functions were modelled using Finite Element Method and Hertzian contact theory in these conditions. Series of numerical simulations was conducted in stationary conditions, with different loading conditions. Equation of motion was solved using Newmark algorithm. Numerical results agreed with experimental results obtained from a planetary gear test bench. This test bench is composed of two similar planetary gears called test planetary gear set and reaction planetary gear set which are mounted back-to-back so that the power recirculates through the transmission. The external load was applied through an arm attached to the free reaction ring. Data Acquisition System acquired signals from accelerometers mounted on the rings and tachometer which measured instantaneous angular velocity of the carrier’s shaft. The signal processing was achieved using LMS Test.Lab software. Modulation sidebands were obtained from the ring acceleration measurements as well as a non-linear behaviour in case of variable loading resulted by a transfer of the spectral density from the fundamental mesh stiffness to its second harmonic.