662

Chapter 12: Belt and Chain Drives

Figure 12-3 Variable speed chain drive. [Courtesy Link-Belt Enclosed Drive Division, FMC
Corporation.]
are available for industrial use. Conventional V belts are made of rubber
covered with rubber impregnated fabric and reinforced with nylon, dacron,
rayon, glass fiber, or steel tensile cords. Automotive and agricultural belt
drives are generally designed for 750-1000 hr average life, whereas industrial
belt drive design is based on longer service. Most often, both driver and
driven pulleys lie in the same vertical plane, and the speed ratio is constant.
Quarter-turn drives are used to transmit power between horizontal and
vertical shafts, using deep groove pulleys and relatively long center
distances.
Smooth flat belts and V belts depend on friction for traction on the
pulleys, and some slippage is inherent in their operation. Therefore, speed
ratios are not precise. Variable-pitch pulleys are used to change the input to
output speed ratio of a V belt drive (see Figure 12-2). Some variable-pitch
drives will change speed ratios when the belt is transmitting power. Most
heavy duty pulleys (sheaves) are made of cast iron or formed steel.
Chain drives generally have far greater life expectancies than belt drives,
up to 20,000 hr with lubrication and regular maintainance. For heavy loads.
 663
Section 12-1: Belt Drives

roller chain'and inverted tooth chain are used on toothed sprockets. Roller
chain, available in single and multiple strand form, is used at speeds up to
2500 ft/min. Inverted tooth chain is used at speeds up-to 4000 ft/min. Both
are available with capacities over 1000 hp. Figure 12-3 shows a variable
speed chain drive.

SECTION 12-1
Belt Drives
Flat belt drives
Consider a flat belt drive operating at its maximum capacity. Taking an
element of the belt as shown in Figure 12-4, the friction force is limited by
the normal force d N (the pulley reaction) and the coefficient of friction/ The
local belt tension is F. In the direction of a tangent through the center of the
element, equilibrium of forces yields
(F + d F ) cos (d O / 2 ) — f d N — Fco s (d 6 / 2 ) = 0 (12-1)
Simplifying, and noting that for small angles the cosine approaches unity,
we obtain ,
d F =' f d N < (12-2)
when the belt is on the verge of slipping on the pulley.
 664

hapter 12: Belt and Chain Drives

For radius R measured to the belt center and belt weight w' lb/in. of
length, the length of the elementary section of belt is R d d and its mass is

8
For angular velocity co, the normal acceleration is c o 2 R and the inertia
force F c d d where we define

w ' co 2
F R2 (12-
— 3)
Equilibrium of forces in the radial direction yields
d N + F c d d - (F + d F + F ) sin { d O/ 2 ) = 0 (12-4)
We first observe that for small angles the sine of the angle approaches the
angle itself. Next, the higher order term d F d d may be neglected. Finally,
using equation (12-2) to eliminate d N from equation (12-4) and separating
the variables, we obtain

(12-
5)
Referring to Figure 12-4b, the solution of equation (12-5) is obtained by
integrating from minimum tension F 2 to maximum tension F x through the
angle of contact of the belt, 6 = 0 to d x rad. Thus, we have

,n
(t^)=/*‘ ..
1M
< >
or

for the belt operating at maximum capacity. Note that the smaller angle of
contact (usually corresponding to the smaller pulley) is critical and design of
the belt drive is based on that value.
V-belt drives
For V belts, the inertia effect F c is given by equation (12-3) where R is
the pitch radius of the pulley, somewhat less than the outside radius. The
weight density of a typical V belt is approximately 0.05 lb/in. 3 The normal
force is applied to the sides of the belt since the belt rides against the pulley
sides (Figure 12-5). Let the normal force on each side be d N 1 /2 producing a
total friction force/d N ' on an element of V belt. The radial force d N in
equation (12-4) is replaced by d N ' sin/? for pulley included angle 2/5.
Making the indicated substitutions, we see that the coefficient of friction/in
equations
 665
Section 12-1: Belt Drives

(12-6) and (12-7) may be replaced by //sin /. The V-belt tension

relationships .are then given by
F
In ~ '\ = HL
(12-8)
\ F 2 - F c ) sin P
or
_ g/0i/sin/J
(12-
9)

Transmitted power
For belt drives, the torque on a pulley is given by
T=(Fl-F2)R (12-10)
where pitch radius R is measured from the center of a pulley to the neutral
axis of the belt. The transmitted horsepower is
nT
H = 63,02 (12-11)
5
where n is the speed of a given pulley in revolutions per minute and T is the
torque on the same pulley in inch-pounds. Most belt drives are designed to
produce a speed reduction. Pulley rotation speeds are inversely proportional
to pulley radii. Belt strength limits maximum tension F 1 and the minimum
tension F 2 depends on the angle of contact, the coefficient of friction, and
whether we are using a flat belt or a V belt.

Belt drive design

Since V belts vary considerably in cross section and amount of
reinforcement, the design of V-belt drives is usually based on tables given
by the manufacturers. However, the following alternate method may be
used. Let the input and output speeds and horsepower of a belt drive be
given. Suppose

■
 666

Chapter 12: Belt and Chain Drives

we are to design the drive. Using equation (12-11), we may find torque at
the smaller pulley as a function of its revolutions per minute, ' .
63,025
T in.-lb (12-12)
x H
Radius R : of the smaller pulley may f »be
x tentatively selected. The radius of
the larger pulley, R 2 is found on the basis of the ratio of pulley speeds. We
use
^2 = «1 (12-
R{ n2 13)
where n l and n 2 are, respectively, speeds of the smaller and larger pulleys.
If we estimate belt weight, the inertia effect F c is given by equation (12-3).
In order to reduce the problem to finding one unknown tension, we rewrite
equation (12-10) in the form

h
f2 = f i (12-
R 14)
x
When equation (12-14) is used to eliminate F 2 from equation (12-9), the
results may be rearranged to give maximum tension
II
R (12-
x 15)
where
y _ efOi/sinP
' (12-16)
When it is necessary to estimate V-belt tensions, a ratio between 3 to 1 and
5 to 1 is reasonable. For example, we may estimate

from which
T T
F l = 1.25— and F 2 = 0.25— •

If a flat belt is used; sin /? = 1. For standard V belts, /? ranges from 17 to

19 deg, producing a greater friction effect. Thus, V belts are usually
preferred over flat belts because, for a given maximum tension F x, a V belt
can transmit more power. We may obtain the approximate value of the
smaller angle of contact by sketching the drive as in Figure 12-4b. Unless an
idler pulley is used, 6 X will generally be equal or less than n rad. When
convenient, the rotation direction is selected so that the lower section of belt
has the maximum tension, producing a slightly greater angle of contact. This
would be the case for clockwise rotation if the smaller pulley is the driver in
Figure 12-4b.
Table 12-1 Service Factors for V-Belt Drives
Driven Machine Driver

AC Motors: High Torque, High Slip,

The types listed below are representative AC Motors: Normal Torque. Squirrel Cage, Repulsion-Induction, Single
samples only. Select the group listed below Synchronous, Split Phase.
Phase, Series Wound, Slip Ring. DC Motors:
whose load characteristics most closely DC Motors: Shunt Wound. Series Wound, Compound Wound.
approximate those of the machine being Engines*: Single Cylinder Internal
considered. Engines*: Multiple Cylinder Internal Combustion.
Combustion. Line Shafts Clutches
If Idlers are used, add the following to the
service factor.
Idler on slack side (inside the belts). .None
Idler on slack side (outside the belts).. 0.1 Intermittent Intermittent
Idler on tight side (inside the belts)... 0.1 Service, 3-5 hr Normal Service, 3-5 hr Continuous
Continuous Normal
Idler on tight side (outside ihe belts).. 0.2 Daily or Daily or Service,
Service 8-10 Service, 16-24 Service, 8-
Seasonal Seasonal 16-24.hr
hr Daily hr Daily 10 hr Daily
Daily

Agitators for liquids Blowers and

exhausters Centrifugal pumps and
1.0 1.1 1.2 1.1 1.2 1.3
compressors Fans up to 10 hp Light duty
conveyors

Belt conveyors for sand, grain, etc.

Dough mixers
Fans over 10 hp
Generators
Line shafts
Laundry machinery 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.3 1.4
Machine tools
Punches-p resses-sh ears
Printing maehinery
Positive displacement rotary pumps
Revolving and vibrating screens
«•' -V
Brick machinery Bucket elevators Exciters ft
Piston compressors Conveyors (drag-pan-
v •:
screw)
Hammer mills Paper mill beaters Piston
pumps ? 151-4
Positive displacement blowers Pulverizers T
,
Saw mil! and woodworking machinery 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.6
>;'' .’ •?
Textile machinery

ft
vv,:. . 1.5

iftft
ftft;
Crushers (gyratory-jaw-roll)
Mills (bail-rod-tube) ft-?-* • 1.6
1.3 1.4 1.5 ■ 1.5 1.8
(■foists
Rubber calenders-extruders-mills

Cliqkable equipment'! ■ ”T—

Fire hazard conditions! 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
,0.., , -------------------------------------------- 2.0
SOlfftCE: Dodge Manufacturing Division, Reliance Electric Co.
'Apply indicated service factor to continuous service engine rating. Deduct 0.2 (with a minimum service factor of 1.0) when applying to maximum engine
rating.
tWhere fire hazards are prevalent and fire prevention laws apply, it is recommended that drives be designed using a service factor of 2.0 on the HP rating
of the motor.
Chapter 12: Belt and Chain Drives

V belts are generally made from reinforced rubber and the required belt
strength is governed by maximum tension F x. Maximum tension should be
multiplied by a service factor based on the number of hours per day of
operation and the type of machinery. Typical service factors are given in
Table 12-1.
The coefficient of friction/between rubber arid dry steel is about 0.3, but a
much lower value occurs in the presence of oil or grease. If the belt is not
permitted to slip, the static coefficient of friction applies. If the belt is allowed
to slip, that is, if it is used as a clutch, then the coefficient of sliding friction
applies. The latter value is somewhat lower.
In order to solve equation (12-15), we originally estimated belt cross- '
section size to compute the inertial effect F c . If we must select a belt much
larger than our approximation, the above steps may be repeated to find new
values of F c and Fj and a new belt selection. Minimum tension F2 is given by
equation (12-14). Mean shaft load at the pulley is made up of torque T and the
force vector sum F,+-»F2 (approximately equal to the scalar sum Ft + F 2 in
most cases).
When a single V belt is inadequate, a multiple V belt drive may be
specified. Standard pulleys are available with 1,2,3,4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 grooves
in a wide range of pitch diameters. Figure 12-6 shows a multiple V belt drive.

Figure 12-6 Multiple V belt drive. [Courtesy Dodge

Manufacturing Division, Reliance Electric Co.]
 Section 12-i f Belt Drives

Belt length, center distance, and contact angle

For a belt drive employing two pulleys of the same radius with-center distance
c, the theoretical length of the belt is L = 2 { c + n R ^ and theoontact angle is = n
rad. If pulley pitch radius is used, the result will be the pitch length of the belt,
measured along its neutral axis. Note, however, that belt length and pulley radius
must be adjusted when ordering because belts are identified by outside
circumference and V-belt pulley sizes are based on outside diameter.
For unequal pulley pitch radii R, and R 2 , referring to Figure 12-7, we see that
the angle a is given by
(12-17)
sin a
(12-
and that the angle of contact 18)
— n — 2a rad
on the small pulley.
(12-
The length of a straight section of belt 19)
a = [c2 — (.R 2 — R x ) 2 y 1 2 in.
and the total pitch length of the belt is
L = 2 a + R { { i i — 2 a ) + R 2 { n + 2sc) in. (12-20)
Approximating the dimension a by two terms of a binomial expansion and
substituting sin a for a, we obtain
L « 2c + 7t(Rt + R2) + (12-21)
c

Figure 12-7 Belt length, center distance, and contact angle.

 670
Chapter 12: Belt and Chain Drives

from which center distance

b + Jb1 - m2 ~ K t )2 (12-22)
c
~ 4
where b = L — n { R { + R 2 ) .
Sometimes the center distance c between pulleys is governed by the size of
the machinery involved or restricted in other ways. If not, a reasonable value
of center distance is given b y t h e l a r g er o f
e = 31?, + R 2 or c = 2R2 (12-23)
where R 2 is the pitch radius of the larger pulley.
This value of c is used in equation (12-21) to find L. If a standard belt is
selected, the actual pitch length is substituted into equation (12-22) to find
center distance. The manufacturer’s specifications should be consulted to
relate pitch length and pitch diameter to nominal sizes of belts and pulleys.
Wherever possible, belt drives should be designed with provision for center
distance adjustment, unless an idler pulley is employed, because belts tend to
stretch in use. When adjustment is provided, the accuracy of length and
center distance calculations is not critical.
Example 12-1: Design of a Belt Drive. Required. A belt drive to transmit 30 hp when input
speed is n, = 1750 rpm and the driven pulley is to rotate at approximately 1040
rpm. The load is steady, service is continuous, and a high degree of reliability is
required.
Design decisions. One or more V belts will be used for this drive. We note that
the pulley pitch radii F, =3.7 and R2 = 6.2 in. will produce an output speed n2 =
1042 rpm, which is satisfactory. These pitch radii correspond to standard size
pulleys with outside diameters of 7.5 and 12.5 in. Suppose we tentatively select a
V-belt cross section that is nominally f in. wide by in. deep weighing 0.012 lb/in.
of length. We will specify the drive components based on our calculations rather
than using the belt manufacturer’s recommendations.
Solution: In the absence of other criteria, equations (12-23) will be used to obtain
a reasonable center distance. For this problem, the first equation governs and the
distance between pulley centers will be approximately c — 17.3 in. The pitch
length of the belt given by equation (12-21) is about 66 in. for this value of c.
Using the nearest standard size listed in manufacturers' catalogs, we might specify
a belt of 67 in. nominal length, which corresponds to a pitch length of 66.6 in.
Using equation (12-22), we recalculate center distance c = 17.6 in. Of course,
provision should be made for adjustment for installation of belts and for belt
stretching.
Using equations (12-17) and (12-18) we obtain a = 8.16 deg and the angle of
contact 0, = 163.7 deg = 2.86 rad for the small pulley.
Using equation (12-12), we find driven torque 7j = 1080in.-lb; Angular
velocity of the drive pulley is 2nnJ&) = 183rad/sec. Then, based on our tentative
belt section, Fc = 14.3 lb from equation (12-3). It will be assumed that the
cbefficient of friction / will not be less than 0.2 and that the pulley angle ji will be
18 deg. From equations (12-15) and (12-16), we obtain y = 6.36 and maximum
tension F, = 361 lb. Using equation (12-14). we find minimum tension F2 = 69 lb.
 671
Section 12-2: Chain Drives
The nature of the loading is complicated because the belt is subject to varying
tension as well as bending as it goes around the pulleys. Furthermore, a typical V
belt is not uniform in section but made of rubber reinforced by synthetic fiber
cords. We do know, however, based on tests, that a f by in. V belt can operate
satisfactorily over long periods with maximum tensile loads of 200 lb. If we apply
a safety factor of 1.5, because a high degree of reliability is required, we would
have a working maximum tensile load of 133 lb per belt. Applying a service factor
of 1.3 to F, (for continuous service) we obtain a maximum tensile force of 471 lb
applied to the belts. Four belts carried on multiple pulleys would therefore be
satisfactory. If a single large belt is chosen instead, larger pulleys and a greater
center distance would be required, changing the solution entirely.
Based on our selection of four V belts, the input and output shafts would be
subject to a bending load equal to the vector sum Fj-t-+ F2 = 430 lb (almost the
same as the scalar sum) applied, roughly, at the center of each multiple pulley.
The input shaft torque T x = 1080in.-lb and the output shaft torque T 2 =
63,025H / n 2 =1813 in.-lb. ©

SECTION 12-2

Chain Drives
Chains are used for power transmission and as conveyors. They can be
used for high loads and where precise speed ratios must be maintained.
Although location and alignment tolerances need not be as precise as with
gear drives, the best service can be expected when both input and output
sprockets lie in the same vertical plane.
The ratio of output speed n 2 to input speed n x is given by
^2 = Nji (12-
«1 N t l 24)
where N h and N , represent the number of teeth on the input and output
sprockets respectively.
For a tentative center distance c between shafts, chain length L may be
approximated by equation (12-21) of the preceding section where R l and R 2
refer to pitch radii of the input and output sprockets respectively. We then
select an exact chain length for a whole number of chain links (preferably an
even number) and recompute center distance from equation (12-22) of the
preceding section. The length of an individual link from pin center to pin
center is the pitch p. The pitch radius of a sprocket with N , teeth may be
define
d by

/.K (12-
25)
Angle of contact for the chain is given by equation (12-18) of the preceding
section. For the small pulley, it is desirable to have an angle of contact not
less than 120 deg. For speed ratios n j n 2 ^ 3 this restriction is met if
 672
Chapter 12: Belt and Chain Drives

c = 2 { R 2 — Ri). For smaller n x / n 2 ratios, a practical center distance will

fall between a value that just permits the sprockets to clear and c = 2(jR[ +
R 2 )- When longer chains are used, it is advisable to investigate the need for
idlers on the slack section of chain.
inverted tooth (silent)
chain
Figure 12-8 shows inverted tooth or silent chain.
Chain pitch is defined as in Figure 12-9. Smaller
pitch chain (p = fin. and jin.) is commonly
available in widths from \ to 4 in., whereas lj-in.
pitch chain is available in widths from 3 to 16 in.
The chain usually has guide links on the sides or
in the center to keep it on the sprocket. Inverted-
tooth chain is made of steel, and sprockets are
made of steel in the smaller sizes and cast iron in
the larger sizes. Inverted tooth chain is typically
quieter than roller chain and may be operated at
higher speeds because there is less impact force
when chain links engage the sprocket. :igura 12-8 Inverted tooth
Lubrication is generally provided and, at full (silent) hain. (a) A silent chain
load, drive efficiency may be as high as 99%. drive. Drives of his type are
possible with speed ratios as igh
as 10:1. The guide link engages
rooves cut in the sprocket teeth.
Most ilent chain drives are of
this type. Courtesy Link-Belt
Chain Division,
MC Corporation.] (b) Side-
guide silent hain. The alternate
guide links at the uter edges of
the chain straddle the procket
face. [Courtesy Ramsey
roducts Corporation,
Charlotte, N.C.]
 673
Section 12-2: Chain Drives

TZ7 \Z7 --------- Kzr ^r

Figure 12-9 Chain pitch (inverted tooth or silent chain).

Roller chain
Roller chain is available in single and multiple strands, as shown in
Figure 12-10. The chain is made up of side plates, pins, bushings, and rollers.
Pitch p is measured from pin center to pin center. Single strand roller chain
for industrial drives is generally available in pitches from £ to 3 in. and
multiple strand chain in pitches from § to 3 in. Conveyor chain is available in
larger sizes. Roller chain is usually made of hardened steel and sprockets of
steel or cast iron, but stainless steel and bronze chains are available where
corrosion resistance is required. Lubrication is generally provided. However,
if lubrication is undesirable, as in food processing, oil impregnated sintered
metal bushings may be used in place of rollers.
Chordai action
Roller chain and inverted tooth chain are made up of links of finite length
and, as these links engage the sprocket teeth, the chain velocity varies. Figure
12-1 la shows the pitch line of a chain in its highest position, a distance r a
from the sprocket center. Part (b) of the figure shows the pitch line of the
chain in its lowest position, a distance r b from the sprocket center. If a
constant driving speed a) rad/sec is maintained, the pitch line velocities of the
chain
v„ = in its
co r „ highes
t and
lowest positions are
(12-26)
and
v„ = co r b
 674

Chapter 12: Belt and Chain Drives

:igure 12-10 Roller chain, (a) A single-strand roller chain drive. [Courtesy nnk-

Belt Chain Division, FMC Corporation.] (b) A double-strand roller chain Irive.
[Courtesy Acme Chain Division, North American Rockwell.]

respectively, and the velocity changes cyclically N , times per sprocket

rotation for N t sprocket teeth. Referring to Figure 12-1 la, we see that
180 deg
(12-
27)
and that the pitch line changes in height by
180 deg\
(12-28)

(a) (b)
Figure 12-11 Chordal action, (a) Chain in highest position, (b) Chain in lowest
position.
 Problen

E
xpandi
ng the
cosine
term,
the change in height becomes approximately
(12-2

Inverted tooth chain sprockets generally have no less than 17 teeth. T radius
change is then, approximately 5 / r a = 1.7 % for the worst cash. Roll chain
sprockets are commonly available with as few as eight teeth, and t
corresponding radius change is 8 / r a = 7.7 % for the worst case, cor sponding
to a velocity change of almost ±4% from the mean. The cor sponding
accelerations result in severe fatigue loads on chain componer The effects of
chordal action can be alleviated by sprocket and link desi One design uses an
involute form of sprocket tooth for inverted to< chain. Another inverted tooth
chain design uses two-part link pins that i upon one another and effectively
change chain pitch by a small amount the chain engages the sprocket.
Failure of chain drives
Most industrial roller chains and inverted tooth chains are designed
service of many thousands of hours if adequate lubrication is maintai
Engagement and disengagement of the chain with sprocket teeth, howe
results in fatigue loading, particularly when one of the sprockets is sr and
chordal action contributes to the problem. The link plates are sul to varying
tension and, thus, must be designed to prevent tensile fat failure. At low
speeds, failure is more probable in the link plates elsewhere, particularly in
the case of roller chain. Roller chain roller bust are subject to impact against
sprocket teeth and are more susceptib failure at high and moderate speeds.
At very high speeds and loads, lub tion breakdown may cause instantaneous
seizing or galling at the c joints. Current standards, however, allow
operation at very high S} and loads (the range where galling is possible) if
the design calls ft adequate lubrication system.

PROBLEMS
1. Find maximum torque at the small pulley of a V-belt drive if maximut tension
cannot exceed 300 lb. The included angle of the pulley groove is 35 d coefficient of
friction is 0.2, the small pulley has an angle of wrap of 170j pitch diameter of 8 in.,
and a speed of 4000 rpm. The belt weighs 0.01 lb/in.i
2. Find the maximum torque at the small pulley in Problem 1 if maximum bf
sion cannot exceed 1500 lb and the belt weighs 0.05 Ib/in. |1

1 A single V-belt drive with included angle 36 deg is to have a capacity of 1;

based on a coefficient of friction of 0.2 and estimated belt weight of 0.01 Speed is
to be reduced from 1750 rpm to 1170 rpm using a drive pulle radius of 3.5 in.
Shafts are 16 in. apart, (a) Find belt tensions at full load. ( shaft torques and
bending loads, (c) Find initial tension when the' drive operating. T ,
/
676
Chapter 12: Belt and Chain Drives

4. The capacity of a V-belt drive is to be 10 hp based on a coefficient of friction of 02, a

drive pulley pitch radius of 4 in., a driven pulley pitch radius of 8 in. and an input speed
of 1725 rpm. The shafts are 18 in. apart. Estimated belt weight is 0.012 lb/in., included
angle of pulleys is 36 deg. (a) Find required belt tensions, (b) Find shaft torques and
bending loads, (c) Find belt tensions when the above drive is transmitting only 2 hp.
Assume no adjustments have been made.
5. A single V belt with a pitch length of 79.6 in. is to transmit 10 hp. Input speed is 1720
rpm and output speed is 860 rpm. The drive pulley has a pitch radius of
4 in. and the included angle of the pulleys is 36 deg. Assume the belt tension on the
tight side is 5 times the tension on the slack side, (a) Find the center distance of the
shafts, (b) Find belt tensions at full load, (c) Find torque and bending load on the shafts,
(d) Find the centrifugal effect based on a 5 V section belt weighing 0.012 lb/in. (e) Find
the minimum coefficient of friction required.
6. Analyze the belt drive of Problem 5 if 5 hp is to be transmitted and output speed is to be
1720 rpm. Assume belt tension on the tight side is 2.5 times the tension on the slack
side.
7. A thin plastic flat belt is to be designed to transmit 12 hp. Input pulley radius is
5 in., input speed is 3000 rpm and output speed is 1670 rpm. Use a center distance of
24 in., and a 0.02-in. thick by 2-in. wide belt with a density of 0.1 lb/in.3 Assume the
coefficient of friction is not less than 0.3. (a) Find torque at the small pulley, (b) Find
large pulley radius and contact angle for both pulleys, (c) Find inertia effect and belt
tensions. Find maximum belt stress without including bending stress.
3. Find stress in the belt in Problem 7 if the drive is designed for a capacity of 5 hp. Find
bending and torsion loads on the pulley shafts.
9. The output shaft of a speed reducer rotates at 100 ipm and transmits a steady 10 hp to a
5-in. diameter pulley overhung by 1.75 in. Assume minimum belt tension equals one
third maximum tension. Using a corrected endurance limit of45,000 psi and a yield
point of 105,000 psi, find the required shaft diameter based on the maximum shear
theory. Use a safety factor of 3.6.
10. The countershaft in Problem Figure 10 has two 6-in. diameter flat belt pulleys. It rotates
at 1000 rpm and transmits a steady 50 hp. Assume minimum belt tension

Problem Figure 10
 References

equals one half maximum tension. Both belts are approximately vertical. Use a
corrected endurance limit of 40,000psi and a yield point of 100,000 psi with a factor
of safety of 3 for the shaft. Use a stress concentration factor Kf = 1.4 at the step. Find
the required shaft diameters.
11. The countershaft in Problem Figure 10 has two 7-in. diameter V-belt pulleys. It
rotates at 1160 rpm and transmits a steady 7.0 hp. Assume minimum belt tension
equals one third maximum tension. Both V-belts are approximately vertical. Use a
corrected endurance limit of 40,000 psi and a yield point of 100,000 psi with a factor
of safety of 3 for the shaft. Use a stress concentration factor Kf = 1.4 at the step, (a)
Show moment and torque loading on the shaft due to the V-belt drive, (b) Determine
diameters Dt and D2 based on the Maximum Shear Theory— Soderberg Criterion, (c)
Find the required minimum coefficient of friction if the included angle of the pulleys
is 38°, the angle of belt contact 180° and the belt weight 0.017 lb/in.
12. If pulleys are to turn in opposite directions, a belt may be crossed in the form of a
“figure eight.” Find approximate belt length in terms of pulley radii and center
distance.
13. Find the horsepower capacity of a V-belt drive with a 5-in. pitch diameter driver
pulley having a 155-deg angle of contact, 35-deg included angle, a coefficient of
friction of 0.12, 1800 rpm driver speed, 900 rpm driven speed', belt weight of 0.05
lb/in. and a maximum allowable tension of 500 lb.
14. Find the capacity of the drive in Problem 13 if belt tension is limited to 350 lb.
15. A T-in. pitch inverted tooth chain operates on a 20-tooth drive sprocket rotating at
5000 rpm. The driven sprocket rotates at 1250 rpm. Find the recommended minimum
center distance.
16. Find the minimum center distance for a |-in. pitch roller chain operating on a 16-tooth
drive sprocket rotating at 4800 rpm and a driven sprocket rotating at 2400 rpm.
17. A 12-tooth |-in. pitch roller chain sprocket rotates at 1800 rpm. Find the approximate
amplitude and frequency of chain motion due to chordal action.

REFERENCES
[1] Engineering Steel Chains. American Steel Chain Association. St! Petersburg, Fla.,
1971.
[2] Roller Chain Engineering. Rex Chainbelt, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., 1962.
[3] C. E. Wilson and W. Michels: Mechanism—Design Oriented Kinematics, American I
Technical Society. Chicago, 111.. 1969.
[4] Design Manual for Roller and Silent Chain Drives. American, Sprocket Chain
Manufacturers Association, Park Ridge, 111., 1955.
[5] Belt Conveyors for Bulk Materials. Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association,
Cahners Publishing Co.. Boston, Mass., 1966. ,
 c = center distance, in. e — base of
naperian logarithms / = coefficient of
friction Fj = maximum belt tension, lb
F2 = minimum belt tension, lb Fc =
inertia force on belt, lb g = acceleration

of gravity, in./sec2 H = transmitted In = naperian logarithm n — speed,

Belt and Chain Drives

horsepower, hp L = pitch length of belt, rpm
N, = number of sprocket teeth p =
SYMBOLS
pitch, in.
in.
T = torque, in.-lb w' = belt weight,
lb/in.
P = half of included angle of V-belt
O, = angle of contact, rad
co = angular velocity, rad/sec
Belt and chain drives offer a maximum of versatility as power
transmission elements. They allow the designer considerable flexibility in
location of driver and driven machinery, and tolerances are not critical as is
the case with gear drives. Another advantage of chain drives, and particularly
of belt drives, is that they reduce vibration and shock transmission.
Furthermore, belt drives are relatively quiet.
Large flat leather belts were in general use many years ago, when the
usual practice was to use one large engine to drive several different pieces of f
machinery. Some leather belts are in use at this time as well as flat steel, A;i
rubber, plastic, and fabric belts. Light, thin flat belts are practical on high
speed machinery where vibration may be a problem.
A smooth surfaced flat belt must operate with higher tensions to transmit
the same torque as a V belt. Positive-drive type flat belts, commonly.known
as timing belts (Figure 12-1), have evenly spaced teeth on the inner surface
and operate on toothed pulleys. The speed ratio is inversely proportional to
the number of pulley teeth. Required belt tensions are low and, consequently,
bearing loads are reduced.
V belts are probably the most common means of transmitting power
between fractional horsepower electric motors and driven machinery. V belts
are also used in other household, automotive and industrial applications.
Multiple-belt drives with capacities up to a few hundred horsepowe;
660
 661

Figure 12-1 Timing® belt drive (Licensed TM).

Drives of this type are designed to transmit fractional
horsepower up to 600 hp or more. Belt speeds range up
to 16,000 ft/min. [Courtesy Dodge Manufacturing
Division, Reliance Electric Co.]

j
!

Figure 12-2 Adjustable speed belt drive. If the center distance between shafts is
increased, the sides of the drive pulley separate, decreasing its effective radius. Drives
of this type are designed to transmit from } to 20 hp at 1750 rpm. [Courtesy Dodge
Manufacturing Division, Reliance Electric Co.]