FRICTION BETWEEN ROPE AND

FIXED PULLEY
Object: To determine the coefficient of friction
between the belt and fixed pulley.
Apparatus: Belt pulley apparatus, pans , and weights

Belt Pulley Apparatus

Theory: We consider a fixed circular pulley over which a belt
passes . If the rope Is just on the point of sliding over the pulley ,
the limiting friction act at every point along the arc of contact
subtending an angle β at the centre . T1 and T2 are the tensions in
the two portion of rope , which is in limiting equilibrium over the
pulley with tendency to slide in the direction of T1 if (T1 > T2)

The angle β is calculated by measuring the angle formed between

the radius . The radius is drawn by joining the center of pulley
with the points at which the rope just leave the contact of pulley
.It is shown in the diagram in the next page.

The formula used to calculate the coefficient of friction is derived

in the next slide
PROCEDURE-
1:The pulley was set for a certain angle of lap 𝛉.
2:Equal weight W was hanged at either end of the rope.
3:The weights were supposed to be as large as compared to the
weight of the rope .And due to this weight of rope was neglected.
4:Then increased the weight on one side to W1 till the rope just
slipped from the pulley . This point we consider as limiting friction
case and at this point reading was taken
5:The weights were interchanged , keeping W the same and
adjusting the other weight to W2, till the rope was just about to slip
in other direction.
6:The mean value of log(T2/T1) was calculated for the angle as
indicated.
OBSERVATIONS- Taking two observations for T2 so as to increase
accuracy.

For rope and Pulley

S. No. Θ(in Θ(in T1=w W1 W2 T2=(w1 μ Mean

degree radian (kg) (kg) (kg) +w2)/2
s) s)
(kg)

1. 60 1.047 0.5 0.99 0.98 0.985 0.64  

2. 70 1.222 0.5 1.02 1.03 1.025 0.58 0.59
3. 80 1.396 0.5 1.10 1.10 1.100 0.56  
 For belt and pulley-

S. No. Θ(in Θ(in T1=w W1 W2 T2=(w1+ μ Mean

degrees) radians) (kg) (kg) (kg) w2)/2
(kg)

1. 60 1.047 0.5 1.3 1.37 1.335 0.93  

2. 70 1.222 0.5 1.5 1.70 1.600 0.95 0.92

3. 80 1.396 0.5 1.8 1.70 1.750 0.89  

Graph for Rope and Pulley

theta in radian
0.8
f(x) = 0.28 x + 0.39
0.75 R² = 0.99
theta in radian
Axis Title 0.7 Linear (theta in
radian)
0.65

0.6
1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5
Axis Title
Graph for belt and pulley

ln(T2/T1)
1.4
1.2 f(x) = 0.92 x + 0.03
R² = 0.99
1
ln(T2/T1)
0.8
Linear (ln(T2/T1))
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5
CALCULATIONS-
For rope and pulley-
μ= ln(0.985/0.5)/1.047 =0.64
μ= ln(1.025/0.5)/1.222 =0.58
μ= ln(1.100/0.5)/1.396 =0.56
  Mean value of μ = 0.59
For belt and pulley-
μ= ln(1.335/0.5)/1.047 =0.93
μ= ln(1.600/0.5)/1.222 =0.95
μ= ln(1.750/0.5)/1.396 =0.89
Mean Value of μ = 0.92
RESULT- The coefficient of friction between rope and
pulley is 0.59
and the coefficient of friction between the belt and
pulley is 0.92
PRECAUTIONS-
1:The position of limiting equilibrium should be judged
accurately by observing the related motion between two
markings made with ink or chalk on the guide pulley and
the belt/rope at the point where the later leaves the pulley.
2:While taking observation, the circular board, the central
iron pulley and the guide pulley should not be allowed to
rotate.
3:Zero error of the circular dial must be taken into account.
4: We have taken the assumptions of belt and rope as weightless . But actually
they have weight and hence to avoid error weight should be very less.

Learning outcomes and application

1:We came to know that Pulley also have friction as we in solving numerical or
real life problems many times neglect it.
2:A belt drive is used to transfer power.
3:The belt drive is used in the Mill industry.
4:The belt drive is used in Conveyor.

The main advantages of belt and pulley transmission systems are that they
are: quiet in operation, require no lubrication, and are relatively cheap to
produce. They are used in domestic appliances for these reasons. In certain
circumstances, slip can actually be useful.