Document Type
Article
Department or Administrative Unit
Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction
Publication Date
6-2011
Abstract
In studying mechanical gear train analysis, some students struggle with relatively simple gear design concepts, and virtually all have difficulty with the complexities of planetary gear sets. This paper describes two labs developed for an undergraduate senior level machine design course. One lab uses a three-speed manual synchromesh transmission with parts of the case cut away to demonstrate the operation of the gears, shifting mechanism, bearings, and other aspects of the design. Students then count teeth and analyze the gear ratios using standard gear train analysis methods. The other lab uses a 1924 Ford Model T planetary transmission to observe how planetary gears can create two forward speeds and reverse from constant rotation of the engine. The students analyze the planetary gear set using relative velocity analysis, and the planetary gear set is used to gain insight into basic principles of modern automatic transmissions. The two labs give students hands-on learning experience that clarifies difficult concepts and teaches students basic principles of gear train design, operation, and analysis.
Recommended Citation
Beardsley, R.A. & Pringle, C.O. (2011). Machine design lab: Using automotive transmission examples to reinforce understanding of gear train analysis. 2011 ASEE Conference Paper AC 2011-838.
Journal
2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Rights
© 2011 American Society for Engineering Education
Comments
This paper was presented at the 2011 ASEE Conference, which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia on June 26-29, 2011. The full-text article from the publisher can be found here.