A Numerical Approach to Calculation of Load Sharing in Planetary Gear Drives

In AGMA 6123-B06 [2006, “Design Manual for Enclosed Epicyclic Gear Drives,” ANSI/AGMA Paper No. 6123-B06], a specific table is given for estimation of the planet load share factor $Kγ$⁠, as it is termed in that publication; that table is vague as to the exact relationship of tolerance and load to the value of $Kγ$⁠. Others have done significant works on the subject of load sharing among planets; a brief review of that work is presented. This work calculates a useful value of $Kγ$ directly from design tolerance values and the torque applied to the carrier, and other factors showing how this can be done. This formulation is designed explicitly for nonfloating systems, but may be adaptable to floating systems. The use of flexible planet pins to improve load sharing is discussed. In addition, treating $Kγ$ as a constant with respect to torque for a given planetary design is shown to be inaccurate.