Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Design of Planetary Gear Transmission

Based on elastic hydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) theory, an EHL model of the meshing between the sun gear and planet gear in planetary gear transmission was established. The EHL oil film thicknesses at meshing areas and those distributions for two operation cases were calculated: one case with the sun gear as the driving gear and another case with the ring gear as the driving gear. The Lubrication with second case was worse. Through the many comparing calculations the lubrication film thickness can be significantly increased by right parameter design. Reasonable raise of lubricant viscosity can get better gear lubrication. Increased gear pressure angle can greatly increase the oil film thickness. The increase of oil film thickness can improve the lubrication of gears and prevent wearing and reduce the production cost of gears, which have great practical value.