Gear ratio

When one meshing gear rotates, the teeth of that

gear cause the teeth
of the other gear to move so that the other gear
also rotates.

The relative speed of the two meshing gears

(gear ratio) is determined by the number of teeth
of the two gears.
When two gears have the same
number of teeth, they both
rotate at the same speed.
But if one gear has 15 teeth and
other has 30 teeth the smaller gear
will rotate twice for every
revolution of the larger gear.
When the smaller gear is driving
the larger gear, this is a two- to-one
gear ratio (written 2:1).
The typical gear box ratio in a small car
with a four-speed gear box is 3.5:1 in
first, 2:1 in second, 1.4:1 in third and 1:1
in top.

All these are multiplied by the axle ratio,

which is taken as 4:l to give the
corresponding ratios between the engine
speed and the road wheel speed.
The power available from the engine is directly related to the engine
torque T' and the gear box ratio G.

Assuming no loss in transmission,

torque available at the wheel,

T = T' x G

and produces the driving force along the road.

This driving force is known as tractive
effort and the maximum amount which can
be applied is limited by the coefficient of
adhesion between the tyre and the road.

The tractive effort also varies with the vehicle

speed as the engine torque varies with engine
speed.
Usually, the speed of the engine is constant.

To vary the speed of the road wheels relative to the engine, the gear
box provides a number of varying ratios-usually three to four gear
ratios are sufficient for passenger cars.

Gear wheels of different sizes are provided for engaging or

disengaging them for transmission of motion and power.
In gear combinations, the gear ratios, in order from the largest ratio,
are called, low', 'second', and third'.

The gear ratio at which the engine speed is the same as the
propeller shaft speed is called 'top.

When the gear ratio is less than one, that is when the
propeller shaft speed is faster than the engine speed is called
"overdrive
Torque and gear ratio.
Torque and gear ratio.

when the smaller gear is driving the larger

gear, the gear ratio is 2:1.

However, the torque ratio is 1:2.

The larger gear turns at half the speed of

the smaller gear. As a result, the larger
gear will have twice the torque of the
smaller gear.

.
In gear systems, the speed reduction means torque
increase
Types of Gear Boxes
The following types of gear boxes are used in automobiles

1) Selective type
• Sliding mesh
• Constant mesh
• Synchromesh.

2) Progressive type

3) Epicyclic or planetary type.

Selective Type Gear Boxes

It is that transmission in which any speed may be

selected from the neutral position. In this type of
transmission, neutral position has to be obtained
before selecting any forward or reverse position.
Advantages of selective type gear boxes

• Simple in construction.
• Relatively free from troubles.
• Light and small.
• Low production costs.
 Disadvantages

• Gear ratios not being continuous but being in steps (3 to 5 steps), making it
necessary to shift gears each time when vehicle running conditions change.

• Noisy in operation
Sliding mesh gear box