A design optimization procedure for epicyclic gears

This paper describes a design optimization procedure to increase the working life of epicyclic gear units by minimizing the tensile fillet stresses experienced in the gear system components. An objective function is formulated together with 69 constraints (inequality and equality) which ensure that a functional system design is achieved. For the example presented, the optimum design was produced in only three iterations and reduced the maximum stress in the most highly stressed component by 54%.