ME 311

MACHINE ELEMENTS I
FIGURES – CHAPTER 17
BELTS - CHAINS

Lectr. Özgür GÜNELSU

ozgurgunelsu@iyte.edu.tr
Flat: Crowned pulleys, self-centering

V&Round: Grooved pulleys, sheaves

Timing: Toothed wheels, sprockets

• Long distances
• Minimum center distance
• Slip
• Idler pulleys – tensioning &
distance adjustment
Some applications
Belt geometry
Usually, small pulley is
the driving one.

θ: Angle of wrap
L: Belt length
C: Center distance
High efficiency – 98%
Low noise, high vibration absorbtion
Lower torque capacity
CoF can be increased up to 0.9
Belt bends as it enters the contact arc
Sliding friction
Elongation/Contraction
• Moves relative to pulley surface, elastic creep
• Belt moves slower
Tension side, F1 & V1
Slack (loose) side, F2 & V2
Driving pulley:
• Idle arc: No change in F1&V1, no transmission
• Effective arc: Belt force reduces to F2, torque transmission

Force relations:
Centrifugal force:

Solution to D.E. :
Belting Eqn.
Force relations:

Initial tension must be

• provided
• maintained in the proper amount

If no initial tension, least possible :

If the belt is loose: F1=F2=0
Power relations: H[hp] , V[ft/min]

Nominal&Design power:
Service factor, Ks

Force correction:
Belt design:
Tensioning:
• Weight of components or auxiliary weight
• Spring-loaded idler
• Belt weight only

Change in belt tension

Thin sheets are used. Thin as 0.002 in.
Stainless steel.

Normal stress due to tension and bending. Fatigue life.

Quality of weld? Experimental data for belt life.

Designated with belt type and inner
circumference.

Calculations based on pitch length.

Operating speed range: 1000 ft / min  V  5000 ft / min 5 m / s  V  25 m / s

Optimum speed: V  4000 ft / min V  20 m / s

Belt power capacity:

Required power:

No. of belts:

This shows that belts are not used at max. capacity (i.e.
allowable tension). Then, belt life depend on the tension
generated on the belt for a given power.
Belt(s) should be investigated individually, and belt life should be
specified for replacement.
V-belt:
Increased friction force:
Effective friction:
Flat belt: f / sin 

banded v-belt

multiple v-
belt drive

cogged v-belt
 lbf , ft/min

d  Hd
H d  T   N b F n  F  60
2 30  ndN b

Fb1 and Fb2 are corresponding tensions that induces the same max. tensile bending stress at driving
and driven pulleys, respectively.

No. of passes:

Minor rule:

Belt life:
No slip
No stretching
Constant velocity ratio (adv. over roller chain)
No initial tension needed

Steel wire inside, on the pitch line

97-99% efficiency.

Design and selection is similar to V-belts.

Manufacturers may describe own procedures.
No slip, constant speed ratio,
Higher power capacity
Higher cost, vibration, noise
Single, double, triple, quadruple strands
No slip, constant speed ratio,
Higher power capacity
Higher cost, vibration, noise
Single, double, triple, quadruple strands

γ/2 : angle of articulation

Chain velocity:

Max. exit velocity:

Min. exit velocity:

Velocity difference as a result of chordal action:

No slip, constant speed ratio,
Higher power capacity
Higher cost, vibration, noise

Velocity difference as a result of chordal

action:

Considerations:
- Minimized velocity fluctuations (chain life – wear and surface fatigue)
- No. of rollers in action
- Chain velocity
- Force on each link plate
- Uniform wear
Ideal operation:
- 17, 25 or 19, 21 teeth for driving sprocket
- Lower teeth counts possible for low speeds
- Up to 120 for driven sprocket
- Speed ratios up to 6:1
- Even number of links to avoid special link and uneven wear

- Sacrifice from chain life as you move away from ideal conditions
 Power ratings provided by the ACA (American Chain
Association)

Link-plate limited:

Roller limited:

Tabulated power rating:

Allowable power:

Design power:

Ks : Service factor (shocks, environment, lub. quality, temperature, etc.)

Life expectancy:

Driver speed limitation (recommended,

tests) :
Approximate chain length (in pitches):

Center distance:

Lubrication is essential.

Type A: manual Light mineral oils used

Type B: lubricant bath Grease or heavy oils are too viscous (used under
Type C: oil-stream special conditions)

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation

Manufacturer’s present all values for a standard chain life, generally 15000 hours.
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