Zenith Division

Technical Bulletin
Date:
No:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Effective:

January 9, 2001
ZTB-006
ATCs, ETMs, RM
AEs
Squaring of Gear Ratio for inertia Matching
Long time ago

Gearhead Sizing
When sizing a gearhead for inertia matching the squaring of the ratio is often used without explanation.
Here are the simple equations and the algebra to explain why if anyone ever asks.

Variable definitions
T1 = motor torque
J1 = motor inertia
1 = motor angular acceleration
T2 = load torque
J2 = load inertia
2 = load angular acceleration

To determine why the gear ratio is squared we must first start with the following fundamental equations.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

T2= J2* 2
T1 / R1 = T2 / R2
T1 = J1 * 1
T2= J2* 2
T1 / R1 = T2 / R2
R1 * 1= R2 * 2
Gear ratio = R2 / R1

With simple algebra we manipulate equations 6 & 4 to get

8. 1 = (R2 / R1) * 2
9. 2 = T2 / J2
Then with substitution of equation 8 for 1 into 3,
10. T1 = J1 * (R2 / R1) * 2
Next we substitution of equation 9 for 2 into 10,
11. T1 = J1 * (R2 / R1) * (T2 / J2)
Page 1 of 2
Parker Hannifin Corp. Zenith Division Sanford, NC 27330 1-877-959-4327 Fax: 919-774-5952

Zenith Division

Technical Bulletin
Bring T2 to the left side of the equation
12. T1 / T2 = (R2 / R1) * (J1 / J2)
And cross-multiply on equation 5
13. T1 / T2 = R1 / R2
Equate equation 12 & 13
T1 / T2 = R1 / R2 = (R2 / R1) * (J1 / J2)
Finally bring the (R2 / R1) and J2 to the left.
J2 * 1 / (R2 / R1) = J1
J2 * 1 / (gear ratio) = J1

Page 2 of 2
Parker Hannifin Corp. Zenith Division Sanford, NC 27330 1-877-959-4327 Fax: 919-774-5952