Planetary Gear Set Torque Equation

[mjgarrin]

Hello Everyone.

If a planetary gear set has 4 (or more) planets, it is more robust, and is able to handle higher torque loads than a planetary gear set with only 3 (or less) planets.

Is there an equation that proves this theory?

 

[Pkruse]

In general, more planets, more torque capacity. But that is only one of very many design parameters in a planetary set. So you may also have to change some other things if you need to transmit more torque. Going through the whole analysis is beyond the scope of this forum, but perhaps someone can post some good tutorial sites for you.