M ACHINE

ELEMENTS

MODULE 5
Trains
 Module 4
DEFINITION OF TRAINS
A train is a series of cylinders or cones, gears, pulleys, or similar devices serving to transmit
power from one shaft to another. A pair of rolling cylinders, gears, or pulleys is really a train, but
usually the term train is applied only to those combinations in which there are more than one pair.

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 Module 4
DEFINITION OF TRAINS

Motorcycle transmission drive (manual)

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ELEMENTS
 Module 4
DEFINITION OF TRAINS

Planetary gears are used in automatic transmission for automobiles.

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ELEMENTS
 Module 4
DEFINITION OF TRAINS

Variable belt drive in motorcycle automatic transmission.

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 Module 4
TRAIN DRIVES
Idler – Refer to figure below. Gear 2 is both a driver
Driver and driven – Refer to figure below. Pulley 1
and a driven gear. Gear 2 is an idler gear. It is
causes pulley 2 to turn, thus 1 is the driver and 2 is
placed between gear 1 and 3 so that they will rotate
the driven. In the same manner, pulley 3 causes
in the same direction. An idler is also used to reduce
pulley 4 to turn, thus 3 is the driver and 4 is the
the size of gears required to connect two shafts with
driven. Thus, for this setup two of the wheels are
fixed center distance and a desired velocity ration.
drivers and two are driven wheels.
An idler does not affect the velocity ratio.

1 3 2 4
1 2 3

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 Module 4
TRAIN DRIVES
Train Value
The train value maybe defined as the ratio of the
absolute angular speed of the last wheel or driven to 1 3 2 4
the angular speed of the first wheel or driver. It is the A B C
reciprocal of the speed ratio.

  𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑤h𝑒𝑒𝑙 1

𝑒= = Eq. 1
𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑤h𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜
The train value is positive when the first and the last But
  3 and 2 are on the same shaft B, thus .
shaft/wheel turns in the same direction; when they Therefore
turn in opposite direction the train value will be
 𝑁 4=𝑁 2 ( 𝐷 3 / 𝐷 4 )
negative.
 Substituting the value of
Refer to figure. A, B, and C are shafts and 1, 2, 3
and 4 are the pulleys. The speed ratios will be: 𝑁
  4=𝑁 1 ( 𝐷 1 / 𝐷 2)( 𝐷 3 / 𝐷 4)

𝑁 𝑁
  4 / 𝑁 1 =( 𝐷 1 𝐷 3)/ ( 𝐷 2 Eq.
𝐷 4)4
  1 𝐷 1=𝑁 2 𝐷 2 → 𝑁 2=𝑁 1 ( 𝐷 1 / 𝐷 2)Eq. 2
and 𝑁
  3 𝐷 3 =𝑁 4 𝐷 4 → 𝑁 4= 𝑁 3 ( 𝐷 3 / 𝐷 4)Eq. 3 Pulleys 1 and 3 are drivers, and pulleys 2 and 4 are driven.

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 Module 4
TRAIN DRIVES EXAMPLE 1
Eq. 4 may be stated as: In the figure shown, gear 1 has 100 teeth, gear 2 has 50
 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑠h𝑎𝑓𝑡 = 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠Eq. 5 teeth, gear 3 has 125 teeth, and gear 4 has 25 teeth. Find
𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑠h𝑎𝑓𝑡 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑠 the train value and the speed of shaft C, if the speed of A
is 25 rpm clockwise.
The same is true for gear trains. Since the diameter
of gears is proportional to the number of teeth then, Solution

 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑠h𝑎𝑓𝑡 =𝑒= 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠Eq. 6 From Eq. 6,

𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑠h𝑎𝑓𝑡 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑠   𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠 = +100 𝑥 125 =+10
𝑒=
1 3 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑠 50 𝑥 25
 𝑁 𝐶 =𝑒 𝑥 𝑁 𝐴 =+10 𝑥 25= 250𝑟𝑝𝑚 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒

Notice the positive sign; it is important to indicate the

direction of rotation.

A 2 B C

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ELEMENTS
 Module 4
TRAIN DRIVES
EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
The diameters of the pulleys 1, 2, 3, and 4 are 24, 8, 36, The number of teeth on the gears and the diameters of
and 12 inches respectively. Find the train value and the the pulleys are as shown. Find the train value and the
speed of the shaft C if the speed of A is 25 rpm speed of shaft C if shaft A turns 25 rpm counterclockwise.
clockwise. 1
3

A 50t 2 C
1 3 2 4
A B C
100t 8”

C 24”
Solution
Solution
From Eq. 6,
From Eq. 6,
  𝑒 =− 100 𝑥 24 =− 6
  𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠 +24 𝑥 36 50 𝑥 8
𝑒= = =+9
𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑠 8 𝑥 12
 𝑁 𝐶 =𝑒 𝑥 𝑁 𝐴 =+ 6 𝑥 25=150 𝑟𝑝𝑚 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
 𝑁 𝐶 =𝑒 𝑥 𝑁 𝐴 =+ 9 𝑥 25=225 𝑟𝑝𝑚 𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑒
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 Module 4
REVERTED GEAR TRAIN
Reverted gear trains are gear trains where both the
input and output shaft axes are either collinear or
coincident. They are used in back gear of lathe and
drilling machine, and also in automobile gear box.

Lay Shaft

Main Shaft
Simple setup of a reverted gear train.
Since the distance between centers of the shafts of gears
1 and 2 as well as gears 3 and 4 is the same, therefore:

𝑟  𝐴 + 𝑟 𝐵 =𝑟 𝐶 +𝑟 𝐷 Eq. 7

Also, the circular pitch or module of all gears is assumed

Four speed gear box is a common application of reverted
gear train. Engine power flows from driver shaft, via a
parallel shaft called Lay shaft to the collinear output shaft
called the Main shaft.
to be the same, therefore the number of teeth on each
gear is directly proportional to its circumference or radius.
𝑇  𝐴 +𝑇 𝐵=𝑇 𝐶 +𝑇 𝐷 Eq. 8

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REVERTED GEAR TRAIN
Gears C, E, and G can slide on splined main shaft, to
engage with different gears to produce different gear
trains & ratios as follows.
Gear 4 via A–C engaged with a dog clutch
Gear 3 via A–B–D–C
Gear 2 via A–B–F–E
Gear 1 via A–B–H–G

Dog Clutch Spline

M
Four speed gear box
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ELEMENTS
REVERTED GEAR TRAIN
Fourth Gear
Gear 4 1:1 via A–C engaged with a dog clutch
The power flows from the engine to the input shaft, then
transmitted directly to the output shaft by means of
engagement of dog clutch between gears A and C. In this
configuration, the lay shaft is still turning since the gears
A and B are always engaged.
This configuration produces the fastest speed.

Train Value Gear Ratio

𝑒=1
   𝐺= 1

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REVERTED GEAR TRAIN
Third Gear
Gear 3 1:6 via A–B–D–C
The power flows from the engine to the input shaft, then
takes a detour to the lay shaft through the engagement of
gears A and B. From the lay shaft power is then
transmitted to the output shaft by the engagement of
gears C and D.

Train Value

  𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠 = +15 𝑥 25 =+0.625

𝑒=
𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑠 30 𝑥 20
Gear Ratio
  1 = 1 =1.6
𝐺=
𝑒 0.625

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REVERTED GEAR TRAIN
Second Gear
Gear 2 1:2.5 via A–B–F–E
The power flows from the engine to the input shaft, then
takes a detour to the lay shaft through the engagement of
gears A and B. From the lay shaft power is then
transmitted to the output shaft by the engagement of
gears F and E.

Train Value

  𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠 +15 𝑥 20

𝑒= = =+0.4
𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑠 30 𝑥 25
Gear Ratio
  1 1
𝐺= = =2.5
𝑒 0.4

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REVERTED GEAR TRAIN
First Gear
Gear 1 1:4 via A–B–H–G
The power flows from the engine to the input shaft, then
takes a detour to the lay shaft through the engagement of
gears A and B. From the lay shaft power is then
transmitted to the output shaft by the engagement of
gears H and G.
This configuration outputs the highest torque at the cost
of speed.

Train Value

  𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠 +15 𝑥 15

𝑒= = =+0.25
𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑠 30 𝑥 30
Gear Ratio
  1
𝐺= =4
𝑒

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 Module 4
REVERTED GEAR TRAIN
EXAMPLE 4
The speed ratio of the reverted gear train as shown is to be 12. The
module pitch of gears A and B is 3.125 mm and of gears C and D is 2.5
mm. If the speed ratio between gears A and B and between gears C and
D are to be the same, calculate the suitable numbers of teeth for the
gears. No gear is to be less than 24 teeth.

Solution
 𝑁 𝐴 / 𝑁 𝐷 =12𝑚
  𝐴 =𝑚 𝐵=3.125 𝑚𝑚 𝑚
  𝐶 =𝑚 𝐷 =2.5 𝑚𝑚

We know that circular pitch,

Since the sum of the radius of each pair must
  = 2 𝜋 𝑟 =𝜋 𝑚
𝑃 or  
𝑟=
𝑚𝑇 be equal:
𝐶  where is the module.
𝑇 2
𝑚𝐴 . 𝑇 𝐴   𝑚𝐵 . 𝑇 𝐵   𝑚𝐶 . 𝑇 𝐶   𝑚 𝐷 .𝑇 𝐷  𝑚 . 𝑇 𝐴 + 𝑚 .𝑇 𝐵 = 𝑚 . 𝑇 𝐶 + 𝑚 . 𝑇 𝐷
𝑟  𝐴 = ; 𝑟𝐵 = ; 𝑟𝐶 = ; 𝑟 𝐷= 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
𝑇  𝐴 +𝑇 𝐵=𝑇 𝐶 +𝑇 𝐷

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 Module 4
REVERTED GEAR TRAIN
Since the speed ratios to be the same:

 𝑁 𝐴 𝑁𝐶   𝑁 𝐴 𝑁 𝐴 𝑁𝐶
= and 12= = 𝑥
𝑁 𝐵 𝑁 𝐷 𝑁𝐷 𝑁𝐵 𝑁 𝐷
2
  𝑁𝐴 𝑁 𝑁𝐴
12=
𝑁𝐵
𝑥
𝑁𝐵
=
𝑁𝐵
𝐴
( )
 ∴ 𝑁 𝐴
= √ 12
𝑁 𝐵

Also the speed ratio of any pair of gears in mesh is 𝑚

  𝐴 . 𝑇 𝐴 +𝑚𝐵 . 𝑇 𝐵=𝑚𝐶 . 𝑇 𝐶 +𝑚 𝐷 . 𝑇 𝐷=400
the inverse of their number of teeth, therefore
3.125
 
 𝑇 𝐵 = 𝑇 𝐷 = 12
√ Eq. i
( 𝑇 𝐴 +𝑇 𝐵 ) =400 /3.125=128 Eq. ii
𝑇𝐴 𝑇𝐶
We know that the distance between shafts, ( 𝑇 𝐶 +𝑇 𝐷 )= 400/ 2.5=1 60 Eq. iii
𝑟  𝐴 + 𝑟 𝐵 =𝑟 𝐶 +𝑟 𝐷=200 𝑚𝑚
From
  Eq. i, , substituting this to Eq. ii.
𝑚 𝐴 .𝑇 𝐴 𝑚 𝐵 . 𝑇 𝐵 𝑚𝐶 . 𝑇 𝐶 𝑚 𝐷 . 𝑇 𝐷
 
or + = + =200
2 2 2 2

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 Module 4
REVERTED GEAR TRAIN
𝑇  𝐴 + √ 12𝑇 𝐴 =128   say
𝑇  𝐵=128 − 28=𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝑨𝒏𝒔 .

Again
  from Eq. i, , substituting this to Eq. iii.

𝑇  𝐶 + √ 12 𝑇 𝐶 =160   say
𝑇  𝐷 =160 −36=𝟏𝟐𝟒 𝑨𝒏𝒔 .

Note: The speed ratio of the reverted gear train with the
calculated values of number of teeth on each gear is:

 𝑁 𝐴 = 𝑇 𝐵 𝑥 𝑇 𝐷 = 100 𝑥 124 = 12.3

𝑁𝐵 𝑇 𝐴 𝑥𝑇𝐶 28 𝑥 36

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REVERTED GEAR TRAIN
EXAMPLE 5
A four speed gearbox shown on the right is designed to output a
gear ratio of 1:1, 1:1.36, 1:1.85, and 1:2.5 for the fourth, third,
second, and first gear respectively. Determine the diameters and
number of teeth of each gear if the distance between the shafts is
120 mm, and the module is 2.5 mm for all gears. Gear A is to have
equal diameter with gear H, gear C with gear F, and so on.
Solution
For First Gear: Gear 1 1:2.5 via A–B–H–G

 𝐷 𝐴 + 𝐷 𝐵 =120 → 𝐷 + 𝐷 =240 → 𝐷 =240 − 𝐷

𝐴 𝐵 𝐴 𝐵 Eq. i
2
 2.5= 𝑁 𝐴 𝑥 𝑁 𝐻 → 𝐷 𝐵 𝑥 𝐷 𝐺(in terms of diameter.)
𝑁𝐵 𝑁𝐺 𝐷𝐴 𝐷𝐻
Since
  and
2
 𝐷 𝐵 𝐷 𝐺 𝐷 𝐵 𝐷 𝐵 𝐷 𝐵
𝑥 = 𝑥 = Eq. ii
=2.5
𝐷 𝐴 𝐷𝐻 𝐷𝐴 𝐷𝐴 𝐷𝐴2

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REVERTED GEAR TRAIN
Substituting Eq. i to Eq. ii,
  𝐷 𝐵2
¿ ¿
Solving
  for and ,

𝑇  = 𝐷𝐴 = 93 𝑚𝑚
= 37.2𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h ≈ 𝟑𝟕 𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉
𝐴
𝑚 2.5 𝑚𝑚/ 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h
 𝑇 = 𝐷 𝐵 = 147 𝑚𝑚
=58.8 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h ≈ 𝟓𝟗 𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉
𝐵
𝑚 2.5 𝑚𝑚/ 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h
For Second Gear: Gear 2 1:1.85 via A–B–F–E

 𝐷 𝐹 + 𝐷 𝐸 =120→ 𝐷 + 𝐷 =240→ 𝐷 =240 − 𝐷

𝐹 𝐸 𝐹 𝐸 Eq. iii
2
  𝑁𝐴 𝑁𝐹 𝐷𝐵 𝐷 𝐸
1.85= 𝑥 → 𝑥 (in terms of diameter.)
𝑁𝐵 𝑁𝐸 𝐷𝐴 𝐷𝐹
𝐷 147 𝐷𝐸
Since   𝐵 =  
=1.58 , 1.85=1.58 𝑥 Eq. iv
𝐷𝐴 93 𝐷𝐹

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REVERTED GEAR TRAIN
Substituting Eq. iii to Eq. iv,

  𝐷𝐸
1.85=1.58 𝑥 → 𝑫 𝑬 =𝟏𝟐𝟗 . 𝟒𝟒𝟔 𝒎𝒎 ; 𝑫 𝑭 =𝟏𝟏𝟎 . 𝟓𝟓𝟒 𝒎𝒎
240 − 𝐷 𝐸
Solving
  for and ,

𝑇  = 𝐷 𝐸 = 129.446 𝑚𝑚 =51.78 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h ≈ 𝟓𝟐𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉

𝐸
𝑚 2.5 𝑚𝑚 /𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h
 𝑇 = 𝐷 𝐹 = 110.554 𝑚𝑚 =44.22 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h ≈ 𝟒𝟒 𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉
𝐹
𝑚 2.5 𝑚𝑚/ 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h
For Third Gear: Gear 3 1:1.36 via A–B–D–C

 𝐷 𝐷 + 𝐷 𝐶 =120 → 𝐷 + 𝐷 =240 → 𝐷 =240 − 𝐷

𝐷 𝐶 𝐷 𝐶 Eq. v
2
  𝑁 𝐴 𝑁𝐷 𝐷𝐵 𝐷𝐶
1.36= 𝑥 → 𝑥 (in terms of diameter.)
𝑁𝐵 𝑁𝐶 𝐷 𝐴 𝐷𝐷
𝐷 147 𝐷𝐶
Since   𝐵 =  
=1.58 , 1.36=1.58 𝑥 Eq. vi
𝐷𝐴 93 𝐷𝐷

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REVERTED GEAR TRAIN
Substituting Eq. v to Eq. vi,

  𝐷𝐶
1.36=1.58 𝑥 → 𝑫 𝑪 =𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝒎𝒎 ; 𝑫 𝑫 =𝟏𝟐𝟗 𝒎𝒎
240 − 𝐷 𝐶
Solving
  for and ,

𝑇  = 𝐷𝐶 = 111 𝑚𝑚
= 44.4 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h ≈ 𝟒𝟒 𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉
𝐶
𝑚 2.5 𝑚𝑚/ 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h
 𝑇 = 𝐷 𝐷 = 129 𝑚𝑚 =51. 6𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h ≈ 𝟓𝟐𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉
𝐷
𝑚 2.5 𝑚𝑚 /𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑡h
The
  third gears actually doesn’t need to be solved since gear C F, and gear
D E. The center distance, which is 120 mm, should be maintained for each
mating pair when we solve for the actual diameters from the number of teeth.

𝐷
  𝐴 ,𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 =𝐷 𝐻 =𝑚. 𝑇 𝐴 =2.5 (37 )=92.5 𝑚𝑚
𝐷
  𝐵 ,𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 =𝐷 𝐺 =𝑚 .𝑇 𝐵 =2.5 ( 59 ) =147.5 𝑚𝑚
 𝐷 𝐴 + 𝐷 𝐵 = 𝐷 𝐻 + 𝐷𝐺 = 92.5+147.5 =𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝒎𝒎  ✓
2 2 2

M ACHINE
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REVERTED GEAR TRAIN
𝐷
  𝐶 = 𝐷 𝐹 =𝑚. 𝑇 𝐶 =2.5 ( 44 )=110 𝑚𝑚
𝐷
  𝐸 =𝐷 𝐷 =𝑚 .𝑇 𝐸 =2.5 ( 52 ) =130 𝑚𝑚
 𝐷 𝐶 + 𝐷 𝐷 = 𝐷 𝐹 + 𝐷 𝐸 = 110+130 =𝟏𝟐𝟎𝒎𝒎   ✓
2 2 2
For the actual speed ratios for each gear:

For First Gear: For Third Gear:

  = 𝑇 𝐵 𝑥 𝑇 𝐺 = 59 𝑥 59 =2.5427
𝐺   = 𝑇 𝐵 𝑥 𝑇 𝐶 = 59 𝑥 44 =1.3493
1
𝑇 𝐴 𝑇 𝐻 37 37 𝐺 1
𝑇 𝐴 𝑇 𝐷 37 52
For Second Gear: For Fourth Gear:

  = 𝑇 𝐵 𝑥 𝑇 𝐸 = 59 𝑥 52 =1.8845
𝐺  𝐺 4 =1
2
𝑇 𝐴 𝑇 𝐹 37 44

The diameters should not be rounded off in calculations. The challenge in designing gears for a gearbox is to determine the
number of teeth for each gear while achieving the desired speed ratio and maintaining the same center distance for each pair.
This can be achieved by changing the module of the gears. Keep in mind that mating gears should have the same module.

M ACHINE
ELEMENTS
 Module 4
EPICYCLIC GEAR TRAIN
Are gear trains arranged in such a manner that one or
more of their members move upon and around another
member (epi means upon and cyclic means around).

M ACHINE
ELEMENTS

EPICYCLIC GEAR TRAIN
Epicyclic gear trains are useful for transmitting high
velocity ratios with gears of moderate size in a
comparatively lesser space. The epicyclic gear trains are
used in back lathes, differential gears of the automobiles,
hoist, pulley block, etc.
Simple setup of an epicyclic gear train.
Module 4
 A simple setup of an epicyclic gear train is shown, where
gear A and arm C have common axis at about which they
can rotate. If the arm is fixed, the gear train is simple and
gear A can drive gear B or vice-versa, but if gear A is
fixed and the arm is rotated about the axis of gear A, then
the gear B is forced to rotate upon and around gear A.
M
Simple setup of planetary gear
ACHINE
ELEMENTS
 Module 4
EPICYCLIC GEAR TRAIN
The velocity ratio of an epicyclic gear train can be  Step 1. Suppose the arm is fixed, therefore the axis of both
determined by two methods: the gears are also fixed relative to each other. When gear A
1. Tabular method 2. Algebraic method makes one revolution counterclockwise (+1) , the gear B
will make / revolutions clockwise (by convention
1. Tabular method. Consider the epicyclic gear shown on counterclockwise is positive (+) while clockwise is negative
the right. Let (-)). Enter this on the first row of the table.
 number of teeth on gear A Step
  2. If the gear A makes revolutions, then the gear B
 number of teeth on gear B will make / revolutions. Enter this on the second row of the
table. In other words, multiply each motion entered in the
first row by .

Step
  3. Each element is given revolutions and entered in
the third row.

Step 4. Add the motion of each element of the gear train

and enter this on the fourth row.

When the two conditions about the motion of rotation of any two elements
are known, then the unknown speed of the third element may be obtained
by substituting the given data in the third column of the fourth row.
M ACHINE
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 Module 4
EPICYCLIC GEAR TRAIN

M ACHINE
ELEMENTS
 Module 4
EPICYCLIC GEAR TRAIN
2. Algebraic method. The number of equations depends
upon the number of elements in the gear train. Conditions
are usually supplied, viz. some element is fixed and the
other has specified motion.
Let the arm C be fixed.
  𝑁𝐴
Speed of gear A relative to arm C: ¿ −𝑁𝐶
Speed of gear B relative to arm C:   𝑁 𝐵− 𝑁𝐶
¿
Since the gears A and B are meshing directly, therefore
they will revolve in opposite directions.
 ∴ 𝑁 𝐵 − 𝑁 𝐶 =− 𝑇 𝐴
𝑁 𝐴−𝑁𝐶 𝑇𝐵
Since
  the arm C is fixed, therefore its speed, .
 ∴ 𝑁 𝐵
=
𝑇 𝐴
𝑁 𝐴 𝑇 𝐵
  𝑁𝐵−𝑁𝐶 𝑇𝐴 𝑁𝐵 𝑇𝐴
If
  the gear A is fixed, then ∴ =− 𝑜𝑟 = 1+
0−𝑁𝐶 𝑇𝐵 𝑁𝐶 𝑇𝐵
The tabular method is easier and hence mostly used in solving problems on epicyclic gear trains.
M ACHINE
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 Module 4
EPICYCLIC GEAR TRAIN
EXAMPLE 1
In an epicyclic gear train, an arm carries two gears A and B having 36 and
45 teeth respectively. If the arm rotates at 150 rpm in the anticlockwise
direction about the center of gear A which is fixed, determine the speed of
gear B. If the gear A instead of being fixed, makes 300 rpm in the
clockwise direction, what will be the speed of gear B?
Solution
 𝑇 𝐵= 45   (anticlockwise)
 𝑇 𝐴 = 36
Tabular Method
Speed of gear B when gear A is fixed:
Since the speed of arm is 150 rpm
anticlockwise, therefore from the fourth row:

 𝑦=+150 𝑟𝑝𝑚
Also the gear A is fixed, therefore

 𝑥+ 𝑦 =0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥=− 𝑦 =−150 𝑟𝑝𝑚

M ACHINE
ELEMENTS
 Module 4
EPICYCLIC GEAR TRAIN
EXAMPLE 1 Speed
  of gear B when gear A make 300 rpm:
Since the gear A makes 300 rpm clockwise,
therefore from the fourth row of the table,
 𝑥+ 𝑦 =−300 𝑜𝑟 𝑥=−300 −150
 rpm
 Speed of gear B,

  𝑇𝐴 36
𝑁 𝐵= 𝑦 − 𝑥
( )
𝑇𝐵
= 150+ 450
45 ( )
=+510 𝑟𝑝𝑚

 Speed of gear B,
  𝑇𝐴 36
𝑁 𝐵= 𝑦 − 𝑥
𝑇𝐵 ( )
=150+ 150
45 ( )
=+ 270 𝑟𝑝𝑚

Take
  note that by convention anticlockwise is positive () and clockwise is negative ().
M ACHINE
ELEMENTS
 Module 4
EPICYCLIC GEAR TRAIN
EXAMPLE 1
Algebraic Method
Let  speed of gear A.
 speed of gear B.
 speed of gear C.
Assuming arm C to be fixed: From Eq. 1
  𝑁𝐴 −𝑁𝐶
Speed of gear A relative to arm C: ¿  ∴ 𝑁 𝐵 − 150 =− 36 =− 0.8
  𝑁 𝐵− 𝑁𝐶
Speed of gear B relative to arm C: ¿ 0 − 150 45

Since gears A and B revolve in opposite directions, 𝑵

  𝑩=− 150 ( − 0.8 ) +150=120+150=𝟐𝟕𝟎 𝒓𝒑𝒎
 ∴ 𝑁 𝐵 − 𝑁 𝐶 =−
Eq. i
𝑇𝐴
 Speed of gear B when gear A makes 300 rpm clockwise:
𝑁 𝐴−𝑁𝐶 𝑇𝐵
When gear A is fixed, the arm rotates at 150 rpm in the
Speed of gear B when gear A is fixed: anticlockwise direction, i.e.
When gear A is fixed, the arm rotates at 150 rpm in the  𝑁 𝐴 =− 300 𝑟𝑝𝑚
anticlockwise direction, i.e. 𝑁 𝐵 − 150
  36
∴ =− =− 0.8 ; 𝑵 𝑩 =𝟓𝟏𝟎 𝒓𝒑𝒎
  and 0 − 150 45

M ACHINE
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 Module 4
EPICYCLIC GEAR TRAIN
EXAMPLE 2
In a reverted epicyclic gear train, the arm A carries two gears B and C and
a compound gear D-E. The gear B meshes with gear E and the gear C
meshes with gear D. The number of teeth on gears B, C and D are 75,
30, and 90 respectively. Find the speed and direction of gear C when B is
fixed and the arm A makes 100 rpm clockwise.
Solution
 𝑇 𝐵  𝑇 𝐷 =90   rpm clockwise
 𝑇 𝐶 =30
=75
Solve first for the number of teeth on gear E.
𝑇
  𝐵 +𝑇 𝐸 =𝑇 𝐶 +𝑇 𝐷
∴𝑇
  𝐸=𝑇 𝐶 +𝑇 𝐷 −𝑇 𝐵 =30+90 −75=45

The table of motions is drawn as follows:

Since gear B is fixed, therefore from the 4 th
row of the table,
 𝑦 − 𝑥 𝑇 𝐸 =0 𝑜𝑟 𝑦 − 𝑥 45 =0
( )
𝑇𝐵 75 ( )
 Module 4
EPICYCLIC GEAR TRAIN
EXAMPLE 2
  𝑦 − 0.6
Eq. 𝑥
i =0

Also the arm A makes 100 rpm clockwise, therefore:  𝑦=− 100Eq. ii
Substituting Eq. 2 to Eq. 1:
−100
  −0.6 𝑥=0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 =−166.67
From the fourth row of the table, speed of gear C:

  𝑇𝐷 90
𝑁𝐶= 𝑦 − 𝑥
𝑇𝐶 ( )
=− 100+ 166.67
30 ( )
 ¿ 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝒓𝒑𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒆