1. What is a Compound Planetary Gear Ratio Calculator?

Definition: This calculator computes the gear ratio for compound planetary gear systems based on the number of teeth in the ring and sun gears.

Purpose: It helps mechanical engineers and gear designers determine the speed reduction or multiplication in planetary gear systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Gear Ratio — The speed ratio between input and output (unitless)
• Ring Teeth — Number of teeth on the ring gear
• Sun Teeth — Number of teeth on the sun gear

Explanation: The formula accounts for the fixed carrier in simple planetary systems where the ring gear is stationary.

3. Importance of Gear Ratio Calculation

Details: Accurate gear ratio calculation is essential for proper torque transmission, speed control, and system efficiency in mechanical designs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of teeth for both the ring gear and sun gear. All values must be positive integers (minimum 1 tooth).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between simple and compound planetary gears?
A: Simple planetary has one set of planet gears, while compound planetary has multiple stages with different gear ratios.

Q2: How does this formula change for different configurations?
A: If different components are fixed or used as input/output, the formula changes. This calculator assumes ring gear is fixed.

Q3: What's a typical range for planetary gear ratios?
A: Simple planetary ratios typically range from 3:1 to 12:1, while compound systems can achieve much higher ratios.

Q4: How do planet gears affect the ratio?
A: The number of planet gears doesn't affect the ratio but does affect load distribution and system stability.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for other gear types?
A: No, this is specifically for planetary gear systems. Different formulas apply to spur, helical, or bevel gears.