Advisory Note: This is only for

experimental not for the assignment ENGD3112

De Montfort University

Belt Friction Experiment

Object
𝑇1
1. To show that for a constant angle of lap 𝜃 the tension ratio is constant.
𝑇2
𝑇1
2. To verify the relationship = 𝑒 𝜇𝜃
𝑇2
3. To determine the coefficient of friction 𝜇 between the CI pulley and the belt provided.

Theory 𝜃
𝑇1
It can be shown for a flat belt drive when slipping that:
𝑇2
= 𝑒 𝜇𝜃 ,
where 𝑇1 - tight side tension,
𝑇2 - slack side tension, T2 T1
𝜇 - coefficient of friction, (slack side) (tight side)
𝜃 - angle of lap (radians).

1. If the dependence of 𝑇1 against 𝑇2 is plotted for a constant angle of lap 𝜃, then a straight line passing through the origin should be
𝑇1
obtained since 𝑒 𝜇𝜃 is a constant: = 𝑒 𝜇𝜃 = 𝑘 or 𝑇1 = 𝑘 ∙ 𝑇2 .
𝑇2
The slope 𝑘 can then be measured and used to yield a value for the coefficient of friction 𝜇:
𝑇1 1
= 𝑘 = 𝑒 𝜇𝜃 → ln 𝑘 = 𝜇𝜃 → 𝜇= ln 𝑘.
𝑇2 𝜃

𝑇1
2. If ln is plotted against 𝜃, the resulting curve should be a straight line passing through the origin, and the slope of this line
𝑇2
T1
equals to 𝜇: ln = 𝜇𝜃.
T2

Apparatus
Belt friction rig, dial test indicator, weight carrier and selection of weights.

Procedure
1. Cantilever calibration
The slack side tension 𝑇2 is obtained using a calibrated cantilever by measuring its deflection with a dial test indicator:
1. Turn the angle of lap protractor to zero.
2. Hang the belt and weight carrier to the cantilever.
3. Zero the dial test indicator.
4. For load 𝑚 from 0 to 24 kg in step of 3 kg measure the cantilever deflection 𝛿.
5. Plot tension 𝑇2 against the cantilever deflection 𝛿.
6. Use this plot as a calibration curve to determine tension 𝑇2 on the slack side corresponding to a cantilever deflection 𝛿.

m, kg 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24

𝛿
𝑇2 = 𝑚𝑔, N

2. Constant angle of lap

1. Set the angle of lap 𝜃 to 90o, attach the belt and zero the dial test indicator.
2. Switch on the pulley motor.
3. For tight side load ( 𝑇1 = 𝑚𝑔 ) from 0 to 20 kg measure the cantilever deflection.
4. With the aid of the calibration curve compute T 2, and then plot T1 against T2.
5. Calculate 𝜇 using procedure described in paragraph 1 of theory section.
 m, kg 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

𝑇1 = 𝑚𝑔, N

𝑇2 , N

3. Variable angle of lap

1. Attach the belt and zero the dial test indicator.
2. Attach a load of 20 kg to the belt.
3. Switch on the pulley motor.
4. Measure the cantilever deflection for angles of lap 𝜃 from 240o to 10o.
5. With the aid of the calibration curve determine the tension 𝑇2 for each angle of lap.
𝑇1 𝑇
6. Calculate: T1 = mg, ratio and ln 1, for each angle of lap.
𝑇2 𝑇2
𝑇1
7. Plot ratio against the angle of lap 𝜃 in radians. Comment this dependence.
𝑇2
𝑇1
8. Plot ln against the angle of lap 𝜃 in radians.
𝑇2
9. Obtain 𝜇 from the slope of the last curve (theory section, paragraph 2).

T1 =

𝜃, deg 240 220 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 10

𝑇2 , N

𝜃, rad
𝑇1
𝑇2
𝑇1
ln
𝑇2

Conclusions
𝑇1
1. Is the tension ratio constant for a given angle of lap?
𝑇2
2. What is the value of 𝜇 between the belt and cast iron pulley and by considering the two values obtained what is the
experimental error?
𝑇1
3. Have you verified the relationship = 𝑒 𝜇𝜃 ?
𝑇2