Overview
The Epicyclic Gear Train Apparatus is a modular demonstrator of planetary gear systems where a sun gear, planet gears, and annulus (ring) gear are arranged concentrically, with the planet carrier also capable of rotation. Different output velocity ratios are achieved by fixing different members, covering configurations including simple epicyclic, compound epicyclic, and differential gear arrangements. Students verify velocity ratio using the tabular method, measure torques on all three members to verify the torque equation, and study efficiency. Epicyclic gear trains are fundamental to automatic transmissions, robotics, aerospace actuators, and wind turbine gearboxes where compactness and high reduction ratio are required.
Specifications
| Gear type | spur, epicyclic arrangement |
| Number of planet gears | 3 |
| Input / output | selectable sun, annulus, or carrier |
| Gear material | hardened steel |
| Velocity ratio range | 3:1 to 10:1 (depending on configuration) |
| Torque measurement | spring balances on all three members |
| Speed measurement | digital tachometers |
| Power supply | 220V AC, 50 Hz |