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NDMC 0005 - Gear Technology Basics – Design Aspects

1031464
Instruction Methods Live Online
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Course Description

Develop your understanding of the history, basic gear tooth nomenclature, types of gears, gear arrangements, theory of gear tooth action and failure modes and prevention. This course was updated and expanded to comprehensively cover important topics relating to gear system design consideration.

Course Outline/Topics

1.1 Introduction: A brief introduction of the material to be presented and its relation to the overall two-part Fundamentals of Gear Design Seminar Pair is discussed.

1.2 History: A short chronology of the development of gear technology and its role in man’s development through the ages is covered in capsule form.

1.3 Basic Gear Tooth Nomenclature: In order to facilitate the discussion of gear technology, a brief presentation of the terminology and nomenclature unique to gearing is presented. This presentation includes both geometric definitions and an overview of the major gear-related terms used in the remainder of the presentation.

1.4 Types of Gears: The major types of gears, their uses and limitations, and the relative advantages of each are discussed. The types of gears are divided into three classifications based on the relation of their axes: parallel, coplanar intersecting and noncoplanar nonintersecting. Special, noncircular gear types are also covered.

1.5 Gear Arrangements: In order to better understand the functioning of gears within an overall drive system, a broad review of the manner in which gears may be used in specific types of drives, including simple reductions, epicyclic configurations, Harmonic drives, etc., is presented in a qualitative manner with illustrative examples.

1.6 Theory of Gear Tooth Action: Geometry and kinematic concepts for simple parallel axes gears are developed from basic theory in order to provide a foundation for the study of more complex gear types. Concepts including speed ratio equation development, sliding and rolling velocities, approach and recess action, basic involute geometry, backlash and tooth thickness relations, contact ratio, limits of contact, the Law of Conjugate Motion and other topics are derived and presented. All parameters discussed are fully derived and not simply presented as end results.

1.7 Failure Modes and Prevention: Only by thoroughly understanding the manner in which gears can fail under a wide variety of operating conditions can the designer guard against such failures. An extensive discussion of all common and many unusual types of failures, their causes and methods available to prevent them both in the design and hardware stages is presented. The presentation is organized into nine main classifications. The overall phenomena that define each group are described in general and specific subcases of each group. Excellent photographs illustrate each concept and the instructor’s wide experience is brought into play in the form of detailed discussions of specific failure investigations to further emphasize many of the modes discussed. Many hardware samples are used to illustrate the various failure modes.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

  • Employ your knowledge of modern gear system design and analysis
  • Distinguish between types of gears and gear arrangements
  • Interpret theory of gear tooth action and derive parameters as they’re presented

Prerequisites

A knowledge of geometry, trigonometry and elementary algebra is required. Basic strength of materials is helpful but not essential.

Testimonials

"Great course with great examples of real-world problems. Best gear training course I have participated in."
-April 2024 Participant

"A great course taught by a great teacher."
-April 2024 Participant

Instructors

  • Raymond Drago, PE

Partners & Professional Credits

  • Professional Development Hours 20.0 PDHs

Applies Towards the Following Credentials

  • Gear Technology Certificate : Core
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NDMC 0005 - 260601V

Expand or collapse NDMC 0005 - 260601V
Jun 01, 2026
Live Online
Available
$1,525.00
Section Title
Gear Technology Basics – Design Aspects
Type
Live Online
Days
M, T, W
Time
8:00AM to 4:00PM
Dates
Jun 01, 2026 to Jun 03, 2026
Schedule and Location
View Details
Contact Hours
20.0
Location
  • Online (Central Time)
Instruction Method Options
Live Online  
Course Fee(s)
Registration $1,525.00
Potential Discount(s)
  • Early Bird
CEUs
2 CEUs
Cancel Request Deadline
May 18, 2026
Transfer Request Deadline
May 02, 2026
Instructors
  • Raymond Drago, PE
Partners & Professional Credits
  • Professional Development Hours
Required fields are indicated by .
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Raymond Drago, PE

Raymond J. Drago is Chief Engineer for Drive Systems Technology, Inc., a mechanical power transmission consulting organization that he founded in 1976. Drago holds a master’s degree in structural engineering from Drexel University (1980), a master’s degree in engineering from Pennsylvania State University (1973) and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from The City University of New York (1967). He is a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania and Minnesota.

He also served as Senior Technical Fellow – Gear Technology with the Senior Technical Advisors Group of the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems Group – Helicopters Division. During his 37-year career at Boeing, Drago’s primary interests were in the areas of applied mathematics, kinematics, analytical gear system design and synthesis, finite element analysis and computer programming. He was also responsible for the continued development and operation of the company’s computer aided gear design systems as well as many related computer programs, including a complete Gear Finite Element Method Analysis System.

Drago has been and is currently involved in the analysis, design, manufacture, assembly and test of many gear systems ranging from small wind tunnel model drives, through dedicated research test specimens, to full scale helicopter and marine hardware and a very wide variety of industrial gear/bearing systems. This involvement includes application of computer-aided design, development, supervision of assembly and testing. He has also been Project Engineer and Principal Investigator on many drive system related research programs ranging from theoretical investigation of nongeared speed reduction concepts to the development of new gear tooth forms.

Drago is an active participant in the American Helicopter Society (AHS), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) and the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers (AISE). Within the framework of these activities, he has published over one hundred technical reports, society technical papers and magazine articles. AGMA has presented Drago with the Technical Division Executive Committee Award “… for his outstanding contributions to the art of Gear Design and Utilization.” The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has also presented him with two awards for his development of a NASTRAN Analysis System for Spiral Bevel Gears and his work on determining the Influence of Contact Ratio And Tooth Form on Gearbox Noise, noting that his “…innovation as an item of potential utility and value to others beyond the aerospace field is a significant contribution to the benefits accruing to the Nation from our national aerospace programs.” He has been awarded a patent “High Profile Contact Ratio, Non-Involute Gear Tooth Form and Method” (4,640,149) defining a new and unique gear tooth form.

In his role as Chief Engineer of Drive Systems Technology, Inc., Drago is active in all areas of mechanical power transmission. These activities include the design and analysis of drive systems for such diverse areas as large, high speed paper, printing and cardboard machinery, commercial marine drives, heart pumps, large oil field valves, high speed cable climbing devices, high speed gas turbine/generator sets, special automotive racing gearboxes, artificial limbs, mine shaft hoists, air and water cooled condensers, miniature gear motors (120 IN-OZ Torque range), automatic bolt torquing devices, very large mining & mill gears, municipal and industrial water and waste water processing system drives and small private helicopter conversions (piston to turbine engines).

Professional Development Hours

NDMC 0005 - 260601V - Gear Technology Basics – Design Aspects

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Online (Central Time)

This is a real-time, scheduled class that you attend online (like on Zoom or Canvas) at the specific dates and times listed.

Live Online

Description
Synchronous instruction delivered virtually, requiring students to participate at specific dates and times. This can involve an entirely online group or students joining a live, in-person class remotely.

Registration

Early Bird

Description
Early bird available until 14 days before start date (discount rounded to nearest $).
Discount Amount
10.00%

CEUs

The continuing education unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized means to document participation in organized non-credit continuing education. One CEU is defined as 10 contact hours of participation in organized continuing education under qualified instruction. The CEU provides a vehicle for employers, professional groups, and licensing agencies to account for participation in non-credit seminars, workshops, and courses.

Raymond Drago, PE

Raymond J. Drago is Chief Engineer for Drive Systems Technology, Inc., a mechanical power transmission consulting organization that he founded in 1976. Drago holds a master’s degree in structural engineering from Drexel University (1980), a master’s degree in engineering from Pennsylvania State University (1973) and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from The City University of New York (1967). He is a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania and Minnesota.

He also served as Senior Technical Fellow – Gear Technology with the Senior Technical Advisors Group of the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems Group – Helicopters Division. During his 37-year career at Boeing, Drago’s primary interests were in the areas of applied mathematics, kinematics, analytical gear system design and synthesis, finite element analysis and computer programming. He was also responsible for the continued development and operation of the company’s computer aided gear design systems as well as many related computer programs, including a complete Gear Finite Element Method Analysis System.

Drago has been and is currently involved in the analysis, design, manufacture, assembly and test of many gear systems ranging from small wind tunnel model drives, through dedicated research test specimens, to full scale helicopter and marine hardware and a very wide variety of industrial gear/bearing systems. This involvement includes application of computer-aided design, development, supervision of assembly and testing. He has also been Project Engineer and Principal Investigator on many drive system related research programs ranging from theoretical investigation of nongeared speed reduction concepts to the development of new gear tooth forms.

Drago is an active participant in the American Helicopter Society (AHS), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) and the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers (AISE). Within the framework of these activities, he has published over one hundred technical reports, society technical papers and magazine articles. AGMA has presented Drago with the Technical Division Executive Committee Award “… for his outstanding contributions to the art of Gear Design and Utilization.” The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has also presented him with two awards for his development of a NASTRAN Analysis System for Spiral Bevel Gears and his work on determining the Influence of Contact Ratio And Tooth Form on Gearbox Noise, noting that his “…innovation as an item of potential utility and value to others beyond the aerospace field is a significant contribution to the benefits accruing to the Nation from our national aerospace programs.” He has been awarded a patent “High Profile Contact Ratio, Non-Involute Gear Tooth Form and Method” (4,640,149) defining a new and unique gear tooth form.

In his role as Chief Engineer of Drive Systems Technology, Inc., Drago is active in all areas of mechanical power transmission. These activities include the design and analysis of drive systems for such diverse areas as large, high speed paper, printing and cardboard machinery, commercial marine drives, heart pumps, large oil field valves, high speed cable climbing devices, high speed gas turbine/generator sets, special automotive racing gearboxes, artificial limbs, mine shaft hoists, air and water cooled condensers, miniature gear motors (120 IN-OZ Torque range), automatic bolt torquing devices, very large mining & mill gears, municipal and industrial water and waste water processing system drives and small private helicopter conversions (piston to turbine engines).

Professional Development Hours

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