Summary

Using the torque method, one can determine not only the speed ratios in complex compound planetary gear trains, but also the magnitude and direction of internal power flows and thus the efficiency. A brief description of the torque method is given in this paper. As an example, a two-carrier compound planetary gear train connected in series was studied. Some more specific and difficult cases of application of this clear and simple method are reviewed – a planetary gear train with two degrees of freedom and a self-locking planetary gear train. Key words: torque method, planetary gear train, speed ratio, efficiency 1