On the Mechanical Efficiency Assessment of Epicyclic Gear Trains: Analytic Formulas and an Easy Algorithm

The present paper aims at developing and implementing a systematic and simple algorithm for calculating the mechanical efficiency of the epicyclic gear trains operating as differential mechanism or speed reducer/multiplier. In this analysis, we consider the mechanical efficiency of the epicyclic gear train as a function of the configuration, speed in its three input / output shafts, and also with respect to the power-flow type. Results are compared to those obtained from other methods, available in the literature.