MACHINE DESIGN 2

ME 4D

Plate No. 4

V-BELT DRIVES
Problem 1:
A V-belt has sheave sizes D2 = 400mm, D1 = 200mm, groove angle 2𝜙𝜙 = 36° and center distance of about
C=700mm. The speed of the smaller sheave is 1200rpm. The cross-sectional area of the belt is 160mm2 and its density
is 𝜌𝜌=1500 kg/m3. a) How large is the maximum possible power in kW transmitted by five belts if each belt is pre-
stressed to 200N? The coefficient of friction f = 0.30. Use the approximate formula for the initial tension required as
the average of the tight and slack tensions. b) The same as a), except that the empirical formula for the initial tension
is used.

Problem 2:
A V-belt is driven on a flat pulley and a V-pulley. The drive transmits 25 kW from a 250-mm diameter V-pulley
operating at 1800 rpm to a 900-mm diameter flat pulley. The center distance is 1 m, the angle of groove 40° and
the coefficient of friction f = 0.2.
a) If density of belting is 1200 kg / m3 and allowable stress is 3 MPa for belt material, what will be the number
of belts required V-belts having 300 mm2 cross-sectional area (for each belt) are used.
b) With the given operating conditions above, redesign the drive using the Manufacturer’s tables, equations and
chart from the textbook. Make necessary assumptions. Use only stock sizes available from the tables.
Comment on some differences in results, if any.

Problem 3:
An oil-field pumping jack is fitted with a gear-reduction unit delivering 18,000 in-lb. torque at 30 rpm. The
total reduction in the gears is 30:1. The gear unit is fitted with a 14-in. pitch diameter V-pulley and is driven by a 1200
rpm motor. The center distance is 4 ft. Determine the a) belt no. and b) the number of units of a C-section V-belt
required.

Problem 4:
A centrifugal pump to be used for irrigation is to be driven by a 20 hp diesel engine at 2000 rpm and a speed
ratio of 4:1. Due to a doubtful belt quality available, a regular quality V-belt is to be assumed in designing the V-belt
drive. The pump is to be used for 16 hr/day and the drive’s location is humid most of the time. a) Specify the suitable
sheave sizes to be used, the belt number and the number of units of belts required. The center distance is not to be less
than 32 inches for ease in maintaining the drive. b) If premium quality belts are available, how many units are required?

MD2 Lab , October 2022