KISSsys 2017 Instruction

Different basic modelling techniques

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1 Document information

1.1 Table of content

1 Document information .............................................................................................................................. 2 1.1 Table of content .............................................................................................................................. 2 1.2 References ..................................................................................................................................... 2

2 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 3 2.1 Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 3 2.2 Scope of model ............................................................................................................................... 3 2.3 Conventions .................................................................................................................................... 3 2.4 Mixing the modelling techniques .................................................................................................... 3 2.5 Basic settings in KISSsys ............................................................................................................... 4 2.6 What is where ................................................................................................................................. 4 2.7 Recommendations .......................................................................................................................... 5

3 Building the model using templates ......................................................................................................... 6 3.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 6 3.2 Modelling of machine elements ...................................................................................................... 7 3.3 Connections .................................................................................................................................. 11 3.4 Calculations .................................................................................................................................. 12 3.5 Power input and output ................................................................................................................. 14 3.6 Dragging elements into the tree structure .................................................................................... 15 3.7 Use of copy / paste with the templates ......................................................................................... 16

4 Building the model using icons .............................................................................................................. 17 4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 17 4.2 Modelling of machine elements .................................................................................................... 17 4.3 Connections .................................................................................................................................. 19 4.4 Calculations .................................................................................................................................. 20 4.5 Power input and output ................................................................................................................. 20

5 Building the model using “Assistant” ...................................................................................................... 22 5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 22 5.2 Modelling of machine elements and calculations ......................................................................... 23 5.3 Adding connections and gear calculations ................................................................................... 26 5.4 Power input and output ................................................................................................................. 28

6 Building the model using “Elements box” ............................................................................................... 30 6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 30 6.2 Modelling of the group “GB” and the shafts .................................................................................. 30 6.3 Modelling of the connections, gear calculations and power input and output .............................. 32

7 Building the model using “Group box” .................................................................................................... 33 7.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 33 7.2 Modelling of the group “GB” ......................................................................................................... 34 7.3 Adding stages ............................................................................................................................... 35 7.4 Connecting the stages .................................................................................................................. 38 7.5 Note .............................................................................................................................................. 42

1.2 References

[1] KISSsys Tutorials, http://www.kisssoft.ch/deutsch/downloads/KISSsysTutorials.php

[2] KISSsys theory slides on the 3D viewer, KISSsys-THE-003-2-3DViewer.pptx

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2 Introduction

2.1 Requirements

Make sure that you have worked through the first tutorial, Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden

werden. before you go through this document.

2.2 Scope of model

In this document, we will look at the modelling on KISSsys level. We will not add gear or shaft data to the

model. So, the focus of the model is a) the schematic b) the tree structure.

Let us model first a simple two stage parallel shaft gearbox as shown below

Three shafts, s1, s2, s3

Two bearings on each shaft, b1 to b6

Pinion z1 on shaft s1

Gear z2 on shaft s2, pinion z3 on shaft s2

Gear z4 on shaft s3

Input coupling cIn on shaft s1

Output coupling cOut on shaft s3

Mesh z1z2 connects pinion z1 to gear z2

Mesh z3z4 connects pinion z3 to gear z4

Figure 2.2-1 Two stage helical gearbox

2.3 Conventions

In this document, we use the following conventions

“z” stands for a gear

“s” stands for a shaft

“c” stands for a coupling

“b” stands for a bearing

The element names are followed by a number to identify them as per the above plan

Connections connecting two machine elements (e.g. connecting two gears to represent a gar mesh) get a

name that is the result of the two names of the two machine elements put together. E.g. if a connection is

connecting “z1” to “z2”, then, the connection name is “z1z2”.

2.4 Mixing the modelling techniques

Below, we will see four different modelling techniques to build a model. Note that you can mix the different

modelling techniques anytime.

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2.5 Basic settings in KISSsys

Note that for all four modelling approaches require that you are in administrator mode. For this, press

or go to menu or press “Alt+A”.

Note that the settings in KISSsys should be such that whenever an element is added to the model, KISSsys

asks the user to enter the element name manually. To make sure this is the case, choose menu

“Extras/Settings”. Go to tab “Elements” and press “All questions” (note that you have to be in administrator

mode, see above, to do this):

Figure 2.5-1 Settings so that whenever an element is added to the model, the user is requested to assign a

name (names are not automatically assigned by KISSsys).

2.6 What is where

We will be using five different modelling techniques.

1) Using the templates

2) Using the icons / icon bars

3) Using the assistant

4) Using the elements box

5) Using the group box

In KISSsys (once you are in administrator mode), they can be found here:

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Figure 2.6-1 Locating the five different modelling techniques options inside the KISSsys window

2.7 Recommendations

1) Plan your model before you start building the model. We recommend that make a sketch as shown

in Figure 2.2-1. Assign all names in this plan. This will greatly accelerate your modelling and reduce

the risk of failure. This is the most important step in building the model! This can simply and quickly

be done in Excel if the cell width is set equal to the cell height and by colouring cells.

2) Try out all five techniques shown here and then settle for your favourite.

3) The more complex the transmission, the more likely it is that the technique “using icons” is the fastest

as you directly work in the schematic.

Assistant Elements box, Group box

Icons / icon bar left and icon bar right

Templates

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3 Building the model using templates

3.1 Introduction

This is the “traditional” way of modelling (it was the only way in earlier versions of KISSsys) and the most

general approach. It should be mastered by all KISSsys users as it is the most versatile approach even if it is

not always the fastest.

Once you activate administrator mode, you will see that the default templates are opened (figure below, left).

Alternatively, you may open the default templates in the menu File/Open templates

…

Figure 3.1-1 Left: default templates, opened automatically once administrator mode is active. Right: opening

templates through menu “File”

Note the structure of the default template:

“Tables” contain predefined tables (they look like an Excel sheet) where data

(e.g. gear data) for all elements in the KISSsys model are shown as an

overview. Also, empty table is available, allowing the user to create his own

user interface.

In “kSoftCalculations”, the KISSsoft calculations are listed. Note that there

are two subfolders . Use “withSystem”.

“kSys2Dplot” this is an element to present data as a 2D plot.

“kSys3DView” is an element to display a 3D graphics of the model.

“kSysCasing” allows you to define a box or a cylinder or to import CAD data

into the 3D view of the model

“kSysConstraints” are connections between different elements, e.g. to

connect two gears to create a mesh.

“kSysElement” are the different maschine elements like shafts, bearings,

gears, couplings and so on that make up the gearbox.

“kSysGL3DView” is a new viewer for 3D view, see [2]

“kSysGroup” is the element to organize your model into groups. Also, if you

use coaxial shafts, put them in a group.

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“kSysSpeedOrForce” are the boundary condiitions or input and output points

in your model where speed and torque values can be assigned, e.g. to define

a power source / a motor as an input.

“kSysTable” is a generic table definition for the user to program his own table,

for experienced users

“kSysText” is a text box that you may want to add to your model to take notes

or to describe your model

Figure 3.1-2 Elements in the templates

3.2 Modelling of machine elements

First we add a group to the model. In the tree structure, select “kSysGroup”. Then, use the left mouse button

to drag the group into the schematic. Assign a name “GB”

Figure 3.2-1 Drag „kSysGroup“ from „Templates“ to „Diagram“.

Figure 3.2-2 Assign name "GB" to the group

Now, we add three shafts “s1”, “s2” and “s3” into the group “GB”. For this, select “kSysShaft” in the templates

and use left mouse to drag it into the group “GB” in the diagram. Repeat this three times and assign the shaft

names:

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Figure 3.2-3 Drag the shaft element „kSysShaft“ three times from the templates into the group „GB“

Figure 3.2-4 Left: Assign shaft names. Right: resulting tree structure in “Model”.

Now we add the gears on the shafts. In the templates, select “kSysHelicalGear”. Use left mouse button to

move the gear element once onto shaft “s1”, twice onto shaft “s2” and once onto shaft “s3”.

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Figure 3.2-5 Drag the gear element „kSysHelicalGear“ from the templates onto the shafts “s1”, “s2”, “s3”.

Figure 3.2-6 Left: assign gear names. Right: resulting tree structure in “Model”.

Now, add the bearings. In the templates, select „kSysRollerBearing”. Use left mouse button to drag it two

times on shaft “s1”, two times onto shaft “s2” and two times onto shaft “s3”. Each time you drop a bearing

onto a shaft, you will be asked to assign a bearing name.

Note that you may detach the window “Templates” and make it hover in front so that you can simultaneously

watch the schematic “Diagram” and the tree structure “Model”.

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Figure 3.2-7 Drag the element „kSysRollerBearing“ three times onto each shaft.

Figure 3.2-8 Left: assign bearing name. Right: resulting tree structure

Now, we add a coupling on the input shaft and one on the output shaft. For this, select the coupling

“kSysCoupling” in the template. Use left mouse to drag it onto shaft “s1” and drop it. Assign the name “cIn”.

Do the same again to drop a coupling onto the shaft “s3” and assign the name “cOut”.

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Figure 3.2-9 Drag and drop the element „kSysCoupling“ once onto the shaft „s1“ and once onto the shaft „s2“

Figure 3.2-10 Left: assign name to the couplings. Right: resulting tree structure.

3.3 Connections

Now, we connect the pinion z1 and the gear z2 as well as the pinion z3 to the gear z4. For this, select

“kSysGearPairConstraint” in the templates and use left mouse to drag and drop it into the group “GB”. Do this

two times. Once you drop the connection into the group “GB”, you have to assign a name to the connection

(use “z1z2” for the first mesh and “z3z4” for the second mesh) and you have to define which two gears are to

be connected.

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Figure 3.3-1 Drag and drop the connection „kSysGearPairConstraint“ twice into the group „GB“

Figure 3.3-2 Left: Assign a name to the connection. Right: define which two gears are to be connected.

Figure 3.3-3 Resulting tree structure

3.4 Calculations

To add a calculation, in the model, arrange the window “Templates” and the window “Model” next to each

other. Then, drag the calculation “HelicalGearPair” from “Templates” onto the gear pair connection in the

“Model”. Drag the calculation “HelicalGearPair” once onto the connection “z1z2” and drop it. Assign the name

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“z1z2” to the calculation (note that the connection and the calculation both may use the same name). Then,

repeat the process for “z3z4”.

Figure 3.4-1 Drag and drop the calculation „HelicalGearPair“ from the „Templates“ onto the connections in the

„Model“.

Figure 3.4-2Left: Assign name to the calculation. Right: Resulting tree structure in “Model”.

Finally, drag the shaft calculations from the left side icon bar onto each shaft “s1”, “s2” and “s3”. Drop the

shaft calculation and name it also “s1”, “s2”, “s3”. So, we use the same name for the shaft itself (the machine

element / the physical object) and for the calculation. Of course, you could also use another name for the

calculation, e.g. “calcs1”. The advantage of using such a name is that it may be more easy to understand.

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Figure 3.4-3 Drag and drop of shaft calculations onto the shafts

3.5 Power input and output

Finally, drag the power input or output element “kSysSpeedOrForce” from the “Templates” to the “Diagram”

and drop it outside of the group “GB”. Do this twice, assign the names “Input” and “Output”. Connect the

“Input” to the coupling “cIn” on shaft “s1” and connect the “Output” to the coupling “cOut” on shaft “s4”.

Figure 3.5-1 Drag and drop the power input / output „kSysSpeedOrForce“ twice from the „Templates“ to the

„Diagram“. Drop it outside of the group “GB”.

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Figure 3.5-2 Left: connect the “Input” to the coupling “cIn”. We assign a speed and torque value. Right:

connect the „Output“ to the coupling „cOut“. We do not define a speed or torque, it will be calculated.

We may now run the kinematic calculation by pressing F4 or selecting the below function.

Figure 3.5-3 Select the function “Calculate kinematics” from the menu “System” or press F4 to run the

kinematic calcualtion.

3.6 Dragging elements into the tree structure

Instead of dragging elements into the schematic, it is also possible to drag them from the templates directly

into your model / into the tree structure.

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Figure 3.6-1 Drag and drop elements from the “Templates” directly into the “Model”.

You can also mix and drag and drop some elements from the “Templates” into the schematic and others into

the “Model”. If you drag and drop it into the “Model”, the “Schematic” is automatically updated and vice versa.

3.7 Use of copy / paste with the templates

Instead of using drag and drop technique, you may also use copy / paste technique to copy elements from

the templates into your model. For this, either use right mouseclick and select “Copy” and “Paste” commands

or use “Ctrl + C” and “Ctrl + V” on your keyboard.

Figure 3.7-1 Copy an element from the “Templates” by using right mouseclick and “Copy” or “Ctrl + C”. Then,

paste it into the model by using right mouseclick and “Paste” or “Ctrl + V”.

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4 Building the model using icons

4.1 Introduction

On the right side of the KISSsys window, you will find all the icons that can be dragged directly into the

“Diagram”.

On the left side of the KISSsys window, you will find the icons that you should drag and drop directly into the

“Model” in the tree structure.

4.2 Modelling of machine elements

First, drag and drop the symbol (group) into the „Diagram“ and assign the name „GB“ similar to above.

Figure 4.2-1 Left: Drag and drop the group from the right side icons into the „Diagram“ and assign the name

„GB“. Right: resulting tree structure in “Model”.

Now drag and drop the symbol (shaft) into the group „GB“ in the „Diagram“ three times. Assign the name

“s1”, “s2” and “s3”.

Figure 4.2-2 Left: drag and drop the shaft element from the right side icons into the group „GB“ in the diagram

three times, assign the names “s1”, “s2” and “s3”. Right: resulting tree strucure in “Model”.

Now drag and drop the symbol (cylindrical gear) once onto the shaft „s1“, twice onto shaft „s2“ and once

onto shaft „s3“. Assign the names “z1”, “z2”, “z3” and “z4”.

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Figure 4.2-3 Left: drag and drop the gear element from the right side icons onto the shafts. Right: resulting tree

structure in “Model”.

Now drag and drop the icon (roller bearing) from the right side icons two times on each shaft. Assign the

names “b1” to “b6”.

Figure 4.2-4 Left: Drag and drop the roller bearing icon from right side icons twice on each shaft. Right:

resulting model in “Model”.

Now, drag and drop the icon (coupling) from the right side icons once onto shaft „s1“ and once onto shaft

„s3“. When you drop it onto “s1”, assign the name “cIn”. When you drop the second one onto shaft “s3”, assign

the name “cOut”.

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Figure 4.2-5 Left: drag and drop the coupling element once onto the input shaft and once onto the output shaft.

Right: resulting tree structure.

Now, all machine elements are present in the group “GB”.

4.3 Connections

Drag and drag and drop the gear pair connection symbol twice into the group „GB“. When you drop it,

assign the names “z1z2” for the connection representing the first stage mesh and “z3z4” for the connection

representing the second stage mesh. Also, define which gears should be connected.

Figure 4.3-1 Left: drag and drop the gear pair connection two times into the group „GB“. Right: resulting tree

structure.

Figure 4.3-2 Left: Connection for first stage, „z1z2“, connecting the pinion „z1“ to the gear „z2“. Right:

connection for the second stage, “z3z4”, connecting the pinion “z3” to the gear “z4”.

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4.4 Calculations

Until now, we took the icons from the right side icons bar.

Now, to add the calculations to the connections, drag and drop the gear pair calculation from the left side

icons bar. Drag and drop the symbol (gear pair calculation) onto the two connections “z1z2” and “z3z4”.

Once you drop the calculation, assign the name “z1z2” and “z3z4”.

Figure 4.4-1 Left: drag and drop the gear pair calculation from left side icons bar onto the connections „z1z2“

and „z3z4“. Right: resulting model.

4.5 Power input and output

Drag and drop the Input / Output element, symbol from the right side icon bar into the „Diagram“.

Figure 4.5-1Left: Drag and drop the power input / output „kSysSpeedOrForce“ twice from the „Templates“ to

the „Diagram“. Drop it outside of the group “GB”. Right: resulting model

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Figure 4.5-2 Left: connect the “Input” to the coupling “cIn”. We assign a speed and torque value. Right:

connect the „Output“ to the coupling „cOut“. We do not define a speed or torque, it will be calculated.

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5 Building the model using “Assistant”

5.1 Introduction

The assistant is helpful for simple cases. It is similar to a wizard described below, giving some guidance to

the user.

It is started by pressing or by selecting .

Select paralle shaft asssitance for our example:

Figure 5.1-1 Select „Parallel shafts assistant“. Note that the symbols available in the assistant will change

depending on the status of your model.

When you use the assistant, we should model shaft by shaft. This means we will first add the shaft “s1” to the

group “GB” and then we add all elements that belong to the shaft “s1”.

Note

The icon allows you to undo the last step.

The icon will move you one level higher in the tree structure

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On top of the window, you are seeing your current position . All elements that you select

will be placed here. When you use the , your position changes, e.g. from to

You can also see your current position (the place where the machine elements you click will be placed) in the

tree structure, it is highlighted:

Current position is now the group “GB”:

Once you add a shaft to the group „GB“, your position changes and the shaft is automatically selected:

.

Once you press the button, the next higher level is active .

5.2 Modelling of machine elements and calculations

First press the symbol to add a group to the model. Assign the name “GB”.

Figure 5.2-1 Left: press symbol „Group“ to add a group. Right: Resulting structure in the model.

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Press the symbol to add a shaft to the group “GB”. Assign the name “s1” to this shaft. Note how the

appearance of the assistant changes. You will notice that in the tree structure, the shaft “s1” is selected.

Accordingly, the assistant presents you with those elements that can be added onto shaft “s1”.

Figure 5.2-2 Left: assistant offering the options / elements that can be added onto the shaft „s1“. Right: model.

Now press the icon to add the input coupling “cIn”, to add the pinion „z1“ and two times to

add „b1“ and „b2“ on shaft „s1“. Also, press the icon to add the shaft calculation “s1” onto the shaft “s1”.

The resulting tree structure is:

Figure 5.2-3Modelling of shaft „s1“ is completed

Now, use the button to move up in the tree structure. You will notice that in the tree structure, the group

“GB” is again selected. Now, we add the shaft “s2” and the elements on it.

Press , assign the name “s2” and a second shaft “s2” is added to the group “GB”

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Figure 5.2-4 Second shaft „s2“ added to the group „GB“.

Now press the icon to add the gear „z2“, the same icon again to add the pinion “z3” and two times

to add „b3“ and „b4“ on shaft „s2“. Also, press the icon to add the shaft calculation “s2” onto the shaft

“s2”. The resulting tree structure is:

Figure 5.2-5 Elements and calculation added onto shaft „s2“

Now we repeat the process for shaft “s3”. First, press once so that the group “GB” is again selected

in the tree structure. Then, press to add a new shaft, assign the name “s3”. Press to add the output

coupling “cOut”. Press to add the gear “z4” onto the shaft “s3”. Press two times to add the bearings

“b5” and “b6” onto shaft “s3”. Finally, press to add the shaft calculation “s3” on the shaft “s2”. The model

in the tree structure will then look like this:

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Figure 5.2-6 Model structure. Shafts „s1“, „s2“ and „s3“ now completed.

5.3 Adding connections and gear calculations

With the above, the modelling of the shafts is completed. Press so that “GB” is again selected in the

tree structure. Then, you will notice there is a new icon. Press to add a connection „z1z2“ of type

„kSysGearPairConstraint“.

Figure 5.3-1 Adding a connection „z1z2“ of type „kSysGearPairConstraint“

Again, you will see the icons in the assistant have changed. Also, notice that currently, in the tree structure,

the connection “z1z2” is selected. So, press to add a gear calculation to the connection “z1z2”. Assign

the name “z1z2” to the gear calcualtion. The tree structure will now look like this:

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Figure 5.3-2 Model after having added the connection "z1z2" and the calculation "z1z2" just underneath

Press again, to make sure “GB” is selected. Press to add a connection “z3z4” in the group

“GB”. Select a connection of type “kSysGearPairConstraint” and assign the name z3z4.

Figure 5.3-3 Adding a connection „z3z4“ of type „kSysGearPairConstraint“. In this connection, gears “z3” and

“z4” are connected.

Finally, press to add a calculation “z3z4” underneath the connection “z3z4”. The model should now

look like this:

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Figure 5.3-4 Model after this step.

5.4 Power input and output

Now, press two times to make sure in the model, the root is selected. Note that the assistant now looks

different again

Figure 5.4-1 Left: Model, root is selected. Right: assistant with new set of symbols that can not be added into

the root of the model.

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Press and assign the name “Input”. Connect this power input to “cIn” and assign a speed and torque

value as shown below, left side. Again, press , assign the name “Output” and connect it to “cOut”. Do

not give a speed and torque value, it will be calculated.

Figure 5.4-2 Left: Input, connected to „cIn“, with a speed and torque value given. Right: Output connected to

“cOut”.

Now the model is completed, quite the assistant by pressing “Close”. Your model should look like this:

Figure 5.4-3 Model after using assistant.

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6 Building the model using “Elements box”

6.1 Introduction

The elements box is a more generic form of the assistant requiring some more navigation by the user. In this

respect, it is more flexible than the assistant.

Elements box

Your current position

Undo last steps

Groups (note that a shaft or a

coaxial shaft is also a group)

Shaft elements are – as the name

implies – elements that can be

placed on a shaft

Connections connect different

elements

The calculations execute a strength

rating for one particular shaft or

shaft element. For every

calculation, you need a machinery

element. But it is not necessary that

every machinery element has it’s

own calculation

System elements allow you to add

graphics or tables to complete your

model

Figure 6.1-1 Structure of the elements box

Note

Your current position (where the machine elements are put once you click on an icon) is shown here:

If you want to change your position, simply click with the mouse on the element in the tree structure. Then,

the elemenst you click in the “Elements box” will be placed there.

6.2 Modelling of the group “GB” and the shafts

Select the root of the model :

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Open the elements box and click on to add a group „GB“ to the root. In the tree structure, the group

“GB” will be active / your current position:

To add a shaft “s1” into the group „GB“, press the icon and assign name „s1“. Note that then, the shaft

“s1” is your current position in the tree structure: . In case you want to add shafts

“s2” and “s3” to the group “GB” before you add machine elements onto the shafts, use the mouse to select

“GB” in the tree structure or use the arrows key to move up and down in the model.

We recommend that you use the arrow keys ↑ and ↓ on your keyboard to move inside your model. So, press

↑ once so that the group “GB” is again active

Now, add the shaft “s2” by clicking again on and assigning the name “s2”. Now, you have to press two

times ↑ so that the group “GB” is again active.

Now, add the shaft “s3” by clicking again on and giving the name “s3”. Your model will now look like

this:

Figure 6.2-1 Left: Model after adding the three shafts. Use arrow keys on your keyboard or the mouse to change

the active element. Centre: Model after machine elements have been added onto shaft “s1”. Right: all machine

elements and calculations added onto the shafts

Now press two times ↑ to make shaft “s1” active. Now, press icons to add the coupling “cIn” onto shaft

“s1”, press to add „z1“ and press two times to add the bearings „b1“ and „b2“. Finally, press

to add a shaft calculation for this shaft. Your model will look as shown in above figure, centre figure.

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6.3 Modelling of the connections, gear calculations and power input and output

In a second step we now add the connections. Use the arrow keys ↑ and ↓ to move inisde the model so that

the group “GB” is active. Then, press the icon , select the “kSysGearPairConstraint” and assign the

name “z1z”. Select the gears “z1” and “z2” to be connected.

Figure 6.3-1 Left side: make sure that your current position is the group “GB”. After you press the

corresponding icon, select the “kSysGearPairConstraint”. Assign the name “z1z2” and select that gears “z1”

and “z2” should be connected. Then, your model will be as shown on the right side and your current position

will be the newly added connection “z1z2”.

Note that your current position in the model is the connection “z1z”. On this connection, you may now directly

add the gear pair calculation by pressing the icon and assigning the name „z1z2“. Your model will then

look like shown on the left side in below figure. Now, use the mouse to select the group “GB”. Again, first

press the symbol to add a connection “z3z4” in this group. Then, press the to add the calculation

“z3z4” in the connection “z3z4”. Your model will then look like shown below, right side

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Figure 6.3-2 Left: model after having added the connection for the first stage, “z1z2” and the calculation “z1z2”

underneath the connection. Right: after having added the connection and calculation of the second stage.

Finally, select the root with the mouse to make it active: . Now, press the icon to add

an input and and an output element.

Figure 6.3-3 Left: add an input element, connected to the coupling “cIn” which is on shaft “s1”. Right: add an

output element.

The final model will then look the same way again:

Figure 6.3-4 Final model.

7 Building the model using “Group box”

7.1 Introduction

This approach is usefull for single stages or more simple gearboxes. It allows for quick modelling of pre-

defined types of stages but is e.g. not usefull if you want to model a vehicle transmission or a complex

industrial gearbox. Note that the individual stages are to be connected by a coupling connection each.

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Press the icon to access the function. You will be able to select the type of stage from below options:

1 Add a cylindrical gear stage to the model

2 Add a three gear (one idler) stage to the

model

3 Add a four gear (two idler) stage to the model

4 Add a standard planetary gear stage to the

model

5 Add a compound planetary stage to the model

6 Add a planetary stage without sun to the

model

7 Add a plus planetary stage to the model

8 Add a plus planetary stage with ring to the

model

9 Add a wolfrom stage to the model

10 Add a ravigneaux stage to the model

11 Add a bevel (or hypoid) gear stage to the

model

12 Add a face gear stage to the model

13 Add a worm gear stage to the model

14 Add a crossed axis helical gear stage to the

model

15 Add user defined stages to the model

Figure 7.1-1 Options to choose from.

7.2 Modelling of the group “GB”

First, add a group “GB” (or use another name) to the root of the model:

1

.

2

.

3

.

4

. 5

.

6

.

7

.

8

.

9

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10

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11 12

14 13 15

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Figure 7.2-1 Model with a group “GB”.

7.3 Adding stages

Select the group and add e.g. a bevel gear stage, name it “stage_1”:

Figure 7.3-1 Adding a bevel gear stage into group “GB”

Then, a new group “stage_1” is created in the model. Now, add a second stage, e.g. a cylindrical gear stage

by pressing the respective icon. Call it “stage_2”:

Figure 7.3-2 Adding a cylindrical gear stage into group “GB”

And finally, add a planetary stage called “stage_3”

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Figure 7.3-3 Adding a planetary gear stage into group “GB”

Close the “Group Box” by pressing “Close”.

You may notice that in the “Schematic”, three independent stages are present:

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Figure 7.3-4 Independent stages in the schematic.

The stages are also directly visible in the 3D viewer.

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Figure 7.3-5 The three stages in the 3D viewer.

7.4 Connecting the stages

Each stage has a coupling on each shaft to connect it to the previous / next stage or to assign a power input

or output. In our gearbox, we want to have the bevel gear stage as first stage, the cylindrical gear stage as

second stage and the planetary stage as final, third stage. The output shall be on the planetary carrier.

Connect a “kSysSpeedorForce” element to the coupling on “Shaft1” of “stage_1” and (which is then the input

side) and a “kSysSpeedorForce” element to the coupling on “CarrierShaft” of “stage_3” and (which is then

the output side).

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Figure 7.4-1 Adding a “kSysSpeedorForce” element as input to the model, connecting it to the “Coupling1” on

“Shaft1” of “stage_1”.

To connect e.g. stage 1 and stage 2, introduce a coupling constraint (e.g. by copying it from the templates

into the group “GB”).

Figure 7.4-2 Add a coupling constraint to connect stage 1 to stage 2 from the templates into the group “GB”.

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Now, we use this connection to connect the output side of the first stage to the input side of the second stage:

Figure 7.4-3 Connect the output side coupling of the first stage to the input side coupling of the second stage.

Repeat the above step to connect the output side of the second stage to the input side (sun shaft) of the

planetary stage:

Figure 7.4-4 Add a coupling constraint to connect stage 2 to stage 3 from the templates into the group “GB”.

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Now, we use this connection to connect the output side of the second stage to the input side of the third stage

(input is on sun shaft):

Figure 7.4-5 Connect the output side coupling of the second stage to the input side coupling of the third stage.

Now, the kinematic conditions are all complete and the kinematic calculation may be run using F4.

Figure 7.4-6 Schematic after successful execution of kinematic calculation.

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7.5 Note

This modelling approach is not always sensible. For example, if we want to model a bevel-helical-planetary

gearbox, the bevel gear would be located on the same shaft as the first cylindrical pinion. But in this modelling

approach, they are both located on an individual shaft. The bearing calculations in this case are not

meaningful.

So, this approach is recommended only for single stages or where the stages may be calculated

independently.