Analysis of Belt, Ropes and Chains

KTOM
[Link]
GEC, Valsad
Introduction
The belts or ropes are used to transmit
power from one shaft to another by
means of pulleys which rotate at the
same speed or at different speeds.
The amount of power transmitted depends upon the following Factors

• The velocity of the belt.

• The tension under which the belt is placed on the pulleys.
• The arc of contact between the belt and the smaller pulley.
• The conditions under which the belt is used.
Types of Belt Drives
• Light drives. These are used to transmit small powers at belt speeds up to about
10 m/s, as in agricultural machines and small machine tools.
• Medium drives. These are used to transmit medium power at belt speeds over 10
m/s but up to 22 m/s, as in machine tools.
• Heavy drives. These are used to transmit large powers at belt speeds above 22
m/s, as in compressors and generators.
Important Notes
• The shafts should be properly in line to insure uniform tension across the belt
section.
• The pulleys should not be too close together, in order that the arc of contact on
the smaller pulley may be as large as possible.
• The pulleys should not be so far apart as to cause the belt to weigh heavily on
the shafts, thus increasing the friction load on the bearings.
• A long belt tends to swing from side to side, causing the belt to run out of the
pulleys, which in turn develops crooked spots in the belt.
• The tight side of the belt should be at the bottom, so that whatever sag is
present on the loose side will increase the arc of contact at the pulleys.
• In order to obtain good results with flat belts, the maximum distance between
the shafts should not exceed 10 metres and the minimum should not be less
than 3.5 times the diameter of the larger pulley.
Types of Belts
1. Flat belt. The flat belt, as shown in Fig. (a), is
mostly used where a moderate amount of
power is to be transmitted, from one pulley to
another when the two pulleys are not more
than 8 metres apart.
2. V-belt. The V-belt, as shown in Fig. (b), is mostly
used where a moderate amount of power is to
be transmitted, from one pulley to another,
when the two pulleys are very near to each
other.
3. Circular belt or rope. The circular belt or rope,
as shown in Fig. (c), is mostly where a great
amount of power is to be transmitted, from one
pulley to another, when the two pulleys are
more than 8 meters apart.
If a huge amount of power is to be transmitted, then
wide pulleys (for V-belts or circular belts) with a
number of grooves are used.
Material used for Belts
• Leather belts.
• Cotton or fabric belts
• Rubber belt.
• Balata belts.
Types of Flat Belt Drives
1. Open belt drive
• used with shafts arranged parallel and
rotating in the same direction.
• the driver A pulls the belt from one side and
delivers it to the other side
• the tension in the lower side belt will be
more than that in the upper side belt.
• The lower side belt (because of more
tension) is known as tight side whereas the
upper side belt (because of less tension) is
known as slack side, as shown in fig.
Types of Flat Belt Drives
2. Cross belt drive
• used with shafts arranged parallel and rotating in
the opposite directions.
• driver pulls the belt from one side and delivers it to
the other side
• the tension in the belt RQ will be more than that in
the belt LM. The belt RQ is known as tight side,
whereas the belt LM is known as slack side
• at a point where the belt crosses, it rubs against each
other and there will be excessive wear and tear.
• to avoid this, the shafts should be placed at a
maximum distance of 20 b, where b is the width of
belt and the speed of the belt should be less than 15
m/s.
Types of Flat Belt Drives
3. Quarter turn belt drive (right angle
belt drive)
• used with shafts arranged at right angles and rotating in
one definite direction.
• to prevent the belt from leaving the pulley, the width of the
face of the pulley should be greater or equal to 1.4 b,
where b is the width of belt.
• In case the pulleys cannot be arranged, as shown in Fig. (a),
or when the reversible motion is desired, then a quarter
turn belt drive with guide pulley, as shown in Fig. (b), may
be used.
Types of Flat Belt Drives
4. Belt drive with idler pulleys

• used with shafts arranged parallel and

when an open belt drive cannot be used
due to small angle of contact on the
smaller pulley.
• provided to obtain high velocity ratio and
when the required belt tension cannot be
obtained by other means.
• When it is desired to transmit motion from
one shaft to several shafts, all arranged in
parallel, a belt drive with many idler
pulleys, as shown in Fig. (b).
Types of Flat Belt Drives
5. Compound belt drive

• Used when power is transmitted from one

shaft to another through a number of
pulleys.
Types of Flat Belt Drives
7. Fast and loose pulley drive

• Used when the driven or machine shaft is to

be started or stopped when ever desired
without interfering with the driving shaft.
• A pulley which is keyed to the machine shaft
is called fast pulley and runs at the same
speed as that of machine shaft.
• A loose pulley runs freely over the machine
shaft and is incapable of transmitting any
power.
• When the driven shaft is required to be
stopped, the belt is pushed on to the loose
pulley by means of sliding bar having belt
forks.
Types of Flat Belt Drives
6. Stepped or cone pulley drive

• used for changing the speed of the driven

shaft while the main or driving shaft runs at
constant speed.
• This is accomplished by shifting the belt
from one part of the steps to the other.
 Velocity Ratio of Belt Drive
• Ratio between the velocities of the driver and the follower or driven.
Mathematically
Let d1 = Diameter of the driver
d2= Diameter of the follower
N1 = Speed of the driver in r.p.m., and
N2 = Speed of the follower in r.p.m

So Length of the belt that passes over the driver, in one minute
= 𝜋𝑑1𝑁1
length of the belt that passes over the follower, in one minute
= 𝜋𝑑2𝑁2
Velocity Ratio of Belt Drive
length of belt that passes over the driver in one minute is equal to the length of belt
that passes over the follower in one minute, therefore

𝜋𝑑1𝑁1 = 𝜋𝑑2𝑁2

Velocity ratio
𝑁1 𝑑2
=
𝑁2 𝑑1
When the thickness of the belt (t) is considered, then velocity ratio,

𝑁1 𝑑2 + 𝑡
=
𝑁2 𝑑1 + 𝑡
 Velocity Ratio of a Compound Belt Drive
Sometimes the power is transmitted from one shaft to
another, through a number of pulleys.
Consider a pulley 1 driving the pulley 2. Since the pulleys 2
and 3 are keyed to the same shaft, therefore the pulley 1
also drives the pulley 3 which, in turn, drives the pulley 4.
d1 = Diameter of the pulley 1,
N1 = Speed of the pulley 1 in r.p.m.,
d2, d3, d4, and N2, N3, N4= Corresponding values for
pulleys 2, 3 and 4.
We know that velocity ratio of pulleys 1 and 2,
𝑁1 𝑑2
= i
𝑁2 𝑑1
Similarly, velocity ratio of pulleys 3 and 4,
𝑁4 𝑑3
= ii
𝑁3 𝑑4
Multiplying equations (i) and (ii),

𝑁2 𝑁4 𝑑1 𝑑3
× = ×
𝑁2 𝑁3 𝑑2 𝑑4
or

𝑁4 𝑑1 × 𝑑3
=
𝑁1 𝑑2 × 𝑑4

A little consideration will show, that if there are six pulleys, then

𝑁6 𝑑1 × 𝑑3 × 𝑑5
=
𝑁1 𝑑2 × 𝑑4 × 𝑑6

𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 Product of diameters of drivers

=
𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 Product of diameters of drivens
Slip of Belt
Some times
Forward motion of the driver without carrying the belt with it as well
as forward motion of the belt without carrying the driven pulley with
it causes the slip of the belt and is generally expressed as a
percentage.
• result of the belt slipping is to reduce the velocity ratio of the system.
• As the slipping of the belt is a common phenomenon, thus the belt
should never be used where a definite velocity ratio is of
importance.(positive derive is required)
 Let s1 % = Slip between the driver and the belt, and
s2 % = Slip between the belt and the follower.

Velocity of the belt passing over the driver per second

π𝑑1𝑁1 π𝑑1𝑁1 𝑠1 π𝑑1𝑁1 𝑠1

𝑣= − × = (1- ) i
60 60 100 60 100

and velocity of the belt passing over the follower per second,
𝑁2 𝑑1 𝑠1 + 𝑠2
π𝑑2𝑁2 𝑠2 𝑠2 = (1 − )
=𝑣 − 𝑣× = 𝑣(1- ) 𝑁1 𝑑2 100
60 100 100

Substituting the value of v from equation (i), 𝑁2 𝑑1 𝑠

= (1 − )
𝑁1 𝑑2 100
π𝑑2𝑁2 π𝑑1𝑁1 𝑠1 𝑠2 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑠 = 𝑠1 + 𝑠2
= ( )(1− )
60 60 100 100 𝑁2 𝑑1 + 𝑡 𝑠
= (1 − )
𝑁2 𝑑1 𝑠1 𝑠2 𝑁1 𝑑2 + 𝑡 100
= (1 − − )
𝑁1 𝑑2 100 100
Creep of Belt
• When the belt passes from the slack side to the tight side, a certain portion of the
belt extends and it contracts again when the belt passes from the tight side to
slack side.
• Due to these changes of length, there is a relative motion between the belt and
the pulley surfaces and this relative motion is termed as creep.
• The total effect of creep is to reduce slightly the speed of the driven pulley or
follower.
• Considering creep, the velocity ratio is given by
𝑁2 𝑑1 𝐸 + 𝜎2
= ×
𝑁1 𝑑2 𝐸 + 𝜎1

𝜎 1 and 𝜎2 = Stress in the belt on the tight and slack side respectively
E = Young’s modulus for the material of the belt.
 Length of an Open Belt Drive
Let
r1 and r2 = Radii of the larger and smaller pulleys,
x = Distance between the centres of two pulleys (i.e. O1
O2), and
L = Total length of the belt.
the belt leaves the larger pulley at E and G and the smaller pulley at F and H as
shown in Fig. Through O2, draw O2M parallel to FE.
O2M is perpendicular to O1E.

Let the angle MO2 O1 = 𝛼 radians.

the length of the belt,
L = Arc GJE + EF + Arc FKH + HG
= 2 (Arc JE + EF + Arc FK) i
Length of an Open Belt Drive
From the geometry of the figure, we find that

𝑂1 𝑀 𝑂1 𝐸−𝐸𝑀 𝑟1 −𝑟2
sin 𝛼 = = =
O1,O2 O1,O2 x

Since is very small, therefore putting

𝑟1 −𝑟2
sin 𝛼 = 𝛼 (𝑖𝑛 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛) = ii
x
π
 𝐴𝑟𝑐 𝐽𝐸 =r1 ( + 𝛼) iii
2
Similarly
π iv
𝐴𝑟𝑐 𝐹𝐾 =r2 ( - 𝛼)
2

𝐸𝐹 = 𝑀𝑂2 = O1𝑂2 2 + (𝑂1 𝑀)2 = 𝑥2 + 𝑟1 − 𝑟2 2

𝑟1 −𝑟2 2
=x 1− x
 Expanding this equation by binomial theorem,

1 𝑟1 −𝑟2 2 𝑟1 −𝑟2 2
𝐸𝐹 = x[1 − + ⋯] = x – ( ) v
2 x 2𝑥

Substituting the values of arc JE from equation (iii), arc FK from equation (iv) and EF
from equation (v) in equation (i), we get
π 𝑟1 −𝑟2 2 π
L= 2[r1 ( + 𝛼) + x – ( ) + r2 ( - 𝛼)]
2 2𝑥 2

2
π 𝑟1 −𝑟2 π
= 2[r1 × + 𝑟1 𝛼 + x – + r2 × - r2 𝛼)]
2 2𝑥 2

2
π 𝑟1 −𝑟2
= 2[ (r1+ 𝑟2 ) + 𝛼(r1− 𝑟2 ) + x – ]
2 2𝑥

2
𝑟1 −𝑟2
= π (r1+ 𝑟2 ) + 2𝛼(r1− 𝑟2 ) + 2x –
𝑥
 𝑟1 −𝑟2
Substituting the value of 𝛼 = from equation (ii)
x
2
𝑟1 −𝑟2 𝑟1 −𝑟2
L= π (r1+ 𝑟2 ) + 2 × × (r1− 𝑟2 ) + 2x –
x 𝑥

2 2
2 𝑟 −𝑟 𝑟1 −𝑟2
=π (r1+ 𝑟2 ) + 1 2 + 2𝑥 −
𝑥 𝑥

𝟐
𝒓𝟏 −𝒓𝟐 ...(In terms of pulley radii)
=𝝅 (r1+ 𝒓𝟐 ) + 𝟐𝒙 −
𝒙

𝟐
𝒅𝟏 −𝒅𝟐 ...(In terms of pulley diameters)
=𝝅 (d1+ 𝒅𝟐 ) + 𝟐𝒙 −
𝟒𝒙
 Length of an Open Belt Drive
Let
r1 and r2 = Radii of the larger and smaller pulleys,
x = Distance between the centres of two pulleys (i.e. O1
O2), and
L = Total length of the belt.
the belt leaves the larger pulley at E and G and the smaller pulley at F and H as
shown in Fig. Through O2, draw O2M parallel to FE.
O2M is perpendicular to O1E.

Let the angle MO2 O1 = 𝛼 radians.

the length of the belt,
L = Arc GJE + EF + Arc FKH + HG
= 2 (Arc JE + EF + Arc FK) i
Length of an Open Belt Drive
From the geometry of the figure, we find that

𝑂1 𝑀 𝑂1 𝐸+𝐸𝑀 𝑟1 +𝑟2
sin 𝛼 = = =
O1,O2 O1,O2 x

Since 𝛼 is very small, therefore putting

𝑟1 +𝑟2
sin 𝛼 = 𝛼 (𝑖𝑛 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛) = ii
x
π
 𝐴𝑟𝑐 𝐽𝐸 =r1 ( + 𝛼) iii
2
Similarly
π iv
𝐴𝑟𝑐 𝐹𝐾 =r2 ( + 𝛼)
2

𝐸𝐹 = 𝑀𝑂2 = O1𝑂2 2 − (𝑂1 𝑀)2 = 𝑥2 − 𝑟1 + 𝑟2 2

𝑟1 +𝑟2 2
=x 1− x
 Expanding this equation by binomial theorem,

1 𝑟1 +𝑟2 2 𝑟1 +𝑟2 2
𝐸𝐹 = x[1 − + ⋯] = x – ( ) v
2 x 2𝑥

Substituting the values of arc JE from equation (iii), arc FK from equation (iv) and EF
from equation (v) in equation (i), we get
π 𝑟1 −𝑟2 2 π
L= 2[r1 ( + 𝛼) + x – ( ) + r2 ( + 𝛼)]
2 2𝑥 2

2
π 𝑟1 +𝑟2 π
= 2[r1 × + 𝑟1 𝛼 + x – + r2 × + r2 𝛼)]
2 2𝑥 2

2
π 𝑟1 +𝑟2
= 2[ (r1+ 𝑟2 ) + 𝛼(r1+𝑟2 ) + x – ]
2 2𝑥

2
𝑟1 +𝑟2
= π (r1+ 𝑟2 ) + 2𝛼(r1+ 𝑟2 ) + 2x –
𝑥
 𝑟1 +𝑟2
Substituting the value of 𝛼 = from equation (ii)
x
2
2(𝑟1 +𝑟2) 𝑟1 +𝑟2
L= π (r1+ 𝑟2 ) + × (r1+ 𝑟2 ) + 2x –
x 𝑥

2 2
2 𝑟 +𝑟 𝑟1 +𝑟2
=π (r1+ 𝑟2 ) + 1 2 + 2𝑥 −
𝑥 𝑥

𝟐
𝒓𝟏 +𝒓𝟐 ...(In terms of pulley radii)
=𝝅 (r1+ 𝒓𝟐 ) + 𝟐𝒙 +
𝒙

𝟐
𝒅𝟏 +𝒅𝟐 ...(In terms of pulley diameters)
=𝝅 (d1+ 𝒅𝟐 ) + 𝟐𝒙 +
𝟒𝒙

 It may be noted that the above expression is a function of(r1 + r2). It is thus obvious
that if sum of the radii of the two pulleys be constant, then length of the belt required
will also remain constant, provided the distance between centres of the pulleys
remain unchanged.
Power Transmitted by a Belt
the driving pulley pulls the belt from one side and
delivers the same to the other side.
It is thus obvious that the tension on the former
side (i.e. tight side) will be greater than the latter
side (i.e. slack side) as shown in Fig.
Let
T1 and T2 = Tensions in the tight and slack side of the belt respectively in newtons
r1 and r2 = Radii of the driver and follower respectively, and
v = Velocity of the belt in m/s.

The effective turning (driving) force at the circumference of the follower is the
difference between the two tensions (i.e. T 1 – T 2).
 Work done per second = (T1 – T2)v N-m/s
and power transmitted, P = (T1 – T2) v W
Power Transmitted by a Belt
The effective turning (driving) force at the
circumference of the follower is the difference
between the two tensions (i.e. T 1 – T 2).

 Work done per second = (T1 – T2)v N-m/s

and power transmitted, P = (T1 – T2) v W

A little consideration will show that the torque exerted on the driving pulley is (T1 – T2)
Similarly, the torque exerted on the driven pulley i.e. follower is (T1 – T2) r
Ratio of Driving Tensions For Flat Belt Drive
Let
T1 = Tension in the belt on the tight side,
T2 = Tension in the belt on the slack side, and
𝛳 = Angle of contact in radians (i.e. angle subtended by the arc AB,
along which the belt touches the pulley at the centre).
Now consider a small portion of the belt PQ, subtending an angle δθ
at the centre of the pulley as shown in Fig. The belt PQ is in
equilibrium under the following forces :
1. Tension T in the belt at P,
2. Tension (T + δT) in the belt at Q,
3. Normal reaction RN, and
4. Frictional force, F = μ × R N , where μ is the coefficient of friction
between the belt and pulley.
Resolving all the forces horizontally and equating the same,

𝛿𝜃 δ𝜃
𝑅𝑁 = (𝑇 + 𝛿𝑇) sin + 𝑇 sin i
2 2

Since the angle 𝛿𝜃 is very small, therefore putting sin 𝛿𝜃 / 2 = 𝛿𝜃 / 2 in equation (i),
𝛿𝜃 δ𝜃 𝛿𝜃 𝛿𝜃 𝛿𝜃
𝑅𝑁 = (𝑇 + 𝛿𝑇) sin + 𝑇 sin =𝑇 + 𝛿𝑇 +𝑇 = 𝑇𝛿𝜃 ii
2 2 2 2 2

Now resolving the forces vertically, we have

𝛿𝜃 δ𝜃
μ × 𝑅𝑁 = 𝑇 + 𝛿𝑇 cos − 𝑇 cos iii
2 2
Since the angle 𝛿𝜃 is very small, therefore putting cos 𝛿𝜃 / 2 = 1 in equation (iii),
𝛿𝑇
μ × 𝑅𝑁 = 𝑇 + 𝛿𝑇 − 𝑇 = 𝛿𝑇 OR 𝑅𝑁 = iv
μ
Equating the values of RN from equations (ii) and (iv),
𝛿𝑇 𝛿𝑇
𝑇𝛿𝜃 = OR = μ 𝛿𝜃
μ 𝑇
Integrating both sides between the limits T2 and T1 and from 0 to 𝜃 respectively,

𝑇2 𝜃
𝛿𝑇
=μ 𝛿𝜃
𝑇1 𝑇 0

𝑇
loge𝑇1 = μ𝜃 OR 𝑇1
2 = 𝑒μ𝜃 v
𝑇2

Equation (v) can be expressed in terms of corresponding logarithm to the base 10,

𝑇
2.3 log (𝑇1) = μ𝜃
2

The above expression gives the relation between the tight side and slack side tensions, in
terms of coefficient of friction and the angle of contact.
 Determination of Angle of Contact
When the two pulleys of different diameters are
connected by means of an open belt as shown in Fig.
(a), then the angle of contact or lap (θ) at the smaller
pulley must be taken into consideration.
Let
r1 = Radius of larger pulley,
r2 = Radius of smaller pulley, and
x = Distance between centres of two pulleys (i.e. O1 O2).
From Fig. (a),
𝑂1 𝑀 𝑂1 𝐸−𝐸𝑀 𝑟1 −𝑟2
sin 𝛼 = = =
O1,O2 O1,O2 x
π
θ = (180𝑜 − 2α) rad
180
A little consideration will show that when the two
pulleys are connected by means of a crossed belt as
shown in Fig. (b), then the angle of contact or lap
("θ") on both the pulleys is same. From Fig. (b),.

𝑂1 𝑀 𝑂1 𝐸+𝐸𝑀 𝑟1 +𝑟2
sin 𝛼 = = =
O1,O2 O1,O2 x

π
θ = (180𝑜 + 2α) rad
180
Centrifugal Tension
• belt continuously runs over the pulleys, some centrifugal
force is caused, whose effect is to increase the tension on
both, tight as well as the slack sides.
• The tension caused by centrifugal force is called centrifugal
tension.
• At lower belt speeds (less than 10 m/s), the centrifugal
tension is very small,
• but at higher belt speeds (more than 10 m/s), its effect is
considerable and thus should be taken into account.
 Consider a small portion PQ of the belt subtending an angle d𝛳 the
centre of the pulley as shown in Fig.
Let
m = Mass of the belt per unit length in kg,
v = Linear velocity of the belt in m/s,
r = Radius of the pulley over which the belt runs in
metres, and
TC = Centrifugal tension acting tangentially at P and Q
in newtons.
We know that length of the belt PQ
= r. d𝛳
and mass of the belt PQ = m. r. d𝛳
Centrifugal force acting on the belt PQ,

𝑣2
𝐹𝐶 =(m. r. d𝛳) = m d𝛳 𝑣2
r
The centrifugal tension TC acting tangentially at P and Q keeps the belt in
equilibrium.
Now resolving the forces (i.e. centrifugal force and centrifugal tension)
horizontally and equating the same, we have
d𝛳 d𝛳
𝑇𝐶 sin( ) + 𝑇𝐶 sin( ) = FC = m d𝛳 𝑣2
2 2

d𝛳 d𝛳
Since the angle d𝛳 is very small, therefore, putting sin( )= in the above expression
2 2
d𝛳
2 𝑇𝐶 = m d𝛳 𝑣2 OR 𝑇𝐶 = m 𝑣2
2
Notes
When the centrifugal tension is taken into account, then total tension in the tight side, 𝑇𝑡1= 𝑇1 + 𝑇𝐶
and total tension in the slack side, 𝑇𝑡2= 𝑇2 + 𝑇𝐶
Power transmitted, 𝑃=(𝑇𝑡1 + 𝑇𝑡2) v =[(𝑇1 + 𝑇𝐶 ) - (𝑇2 + 𝑇𝐶)] v Thus we see that centrifugal tension has no
effect on the power transmitted.
The ratio of driving tensions may also be written as
𝑇 −𝑇𝐶
2.3 log( 𝑇1−𝑇𝐶 ) = μ𝜃
2

𝑇𝑡1= Total or maximum tension in the belt

Maximum Tension in the Belt
the maximum tension in the belt (T) is equal to the total tension in the tight side of
the belt (Tt1).
Let
𝜎= Maximum safe stress in N/mm2,
b = Width of the belt in mm, and
t = Thickness of the belt in mm
maximum tension in the belt,
T = Maximum stress × cross-sectional area of belt = 𝜎. b. t
When centrifugal tension is neglected, then
T (or Tt1) = T1, i.e. Tension in the tight side of the belt
and when centrifugal tension is considered, then

T (or Tt1) = T1 + TC
Condition For the Transmission of Maximum
Power
We know that power transmitted by a belt,

P = (T1 – T2) v i
where
T1 = Tension in the tight side of the belt in newtons,
T2 = Tension in the slack side of the belt in newtons, and
v = Velocity of the belt in m/s.
the ratio of driving tensions is
𝑇1 𝑇1
= 𝑒μ𝜃 OR 𝑇2 = μ𝜃 ii
𝑇2 𝑒
Substituting the value of T2 in equation (i)

𝑇1 1 1
𝑃 = 𝑇1 − 𝑣 = T 1 1 − 𝑣 = 𝑇1 𝑣 𝐶 where 𝐶 =1−
𝑒μ𝜃 𝑒μ𝜃 𝑒μ𝜃
iii
 We know that T1 = T – TC
Where
T = Maximum tension to which the belt can be subjected in newtons, and
TC = Centrifugal tension in newtons.

Substituting the value of T1 in equation (iii),

𝑃 = 𝑇 − 𝑇𝐶 𝑣 𝐶
 (𝑇𝐶 = 𝑚𝑣2 )
= 𝑇 − 𝑚𝑣2 𝑣 𝐶 = 𝑇𝑣 − 𝑚𝑣3 𝐶

For maximum power, differentiate the above expression with respect to v and equate to zero,

𝑑𝑃 𝑑 𝑇𝑣 − 𝑚𝑣3 𝐶
=0 or =0
𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑣

𝑇 − 3𝑚𝑣2 = 0 iv
𝑇 − 3𝑇𝐶= 0 or 𝑇 = 3𝑇𝐶

It shows that when the power transmitted is maximum, 1/3rd of the maximum tension is absorbed as
centrifugal tension.
Notes
We know that T1 = T– T C and for maximum power, TC = T/3

𝑇 2𝑇
𝑇1 = 𝑇 − =
3 3

From equation (iv), the velocity of the belt for the maximum power,

𝑇
𝑣=
3𝑚
Initial Tension in the Belt
• When a belt is wound round the two pulleys its two ends are joined together ; so
that the belt may continuously move over the pulleys, since the motion of the
belt from the driver and the follower is governed by a firm grip, due to friction
between the belt and the pulleys.
• to increase this grip, the belt is tightened up even when the pulleys are
stationary, the belt is subjected to some tension, called initial tension.
• When the driver starts rotating, it pulls the belt from one side (increasing tension
in the belt on this side) and delivers it to the other side (decreasing the tension in
the belt on that side).
• The increased tension in one side of the belt is called tension in tight side and the
decreased tension in the other side of the belt is called tension in the slack side.
 Let
T0 = Initial tension in the belt,
T1 = Tension in the tight side of the belt,
T2 = Tension in the slack side of the belt, and
α = Coefficient of increase of the belt length per unit force.

A little consideration will show that the increase of tension in the tight side
= T1 - T0
and increase in the length of the belt on the tight side
= α (T1 - T0 ) i
decrease in tension in the slack side
= T0 – T2
decrease in the length of the belt on the slack side
= α (T0 – T2 ) ii
Assuming that
the belt material is perfectly elastic such that the length of the belt remains constant,
when it is at rest or in motion,
therefore increase in length on the tight side is equal to decrease in the length on the
slack side.
Thus, equating equations (i) and (ii),
α (T1 − T0) = α (T0 – T2 ) OR T1 − T0 = T0 – T2

T1 – T2 ...(Neglecting centrifugal tension)

T0 =
2

T1 + T2+ 2TC ...(Considering centrifugal tension)

T0 =
2
 V-belt drive
• mostly used in factories and workshops where a great amount of power is to be
transmitted from one pulley to another when the two pulleys are very near to
each other.
• made of fabric and cords moulded in rubber and covered
with fabric and rubber, as shown in Fig. (a)
• belts are moulded to a trapezoidal shape and are made
endless.
• These are particularly suitable for short drives i.e. when the
shafts are at a short distance apart
• The included angle for the V-belt is usually from 30° – 40°.
• the rim of the pulley is grooved in which the V-belt runs.
• The effect of the groove is to increase the frictional grip of
the V-belt on the pulley and thus to reduce the tendency of
slipping.
 V-belt drive
• In order to have a good grip on the pulley, the V-belt is in
contact with the side faces of the groove and not at the
bottom.
• The power is transmitted by the wedging action between
the belt and the V-groove in the pulley.
• clearance must be provided at the bottom of the groove, as
shown in (b), in order to prevent touching to the bottom as
it becomes narrower from wear.
Advantages and Disadvantages of V-belt Drive Over Flat
Belt Drive
Advantages
• The V-belt drive gives compactness due to the small distance between the centres of
pulleys.
• The drive is positive, because the slip between the belt and the pulley groove is
negligible.
• Since the V-belts are made endless and there is no joint trouble, therefore the drive is
smooth.
• It provides longer life, 3 to 5 years.
• It can be easily installed and removed.
• The operation of the belt and pulley is quiet.
• The belts have the ability to cushion the shock when machines are started.
• The high velocity ratio (maximum 10) may be obtained.
• The wedging action of the belt in the groove gives high value of limiting ratio of tensions.
Therefore the power transmitted by V-belts is more than flat belts for the same
coefficient of friction, arc of contact and allowable tension in the belts.
• The V-belt may be operated in either direction with tight side of the belt at the top or
bottom. The centre line may be horizontal, vertical or inclined.
. Disadvantages
• The V-belt drive cannot be used with large centre distances.
• The V-belts are not so durable as flat belts.
• The construction of pulleys for V-belts is more complicated than pulleys for flat
belts.
• Since the V-belts are subjected to certain amount of creep, therefore these are
not suitable for constant speed application such as synchronous machines, and
timing devices.
• The belt life is greatly influenced with temperature changes, improper belt
tension and mismatching of belt lengths.
• The centrifugal tension prevents the use of V-belts at speeds below 5 m/s and
above 50m/s
Ratio of Driving Tensions for V-belt
Let
R1 = Normal reaction between the belt and sides of the groove.
R = Total reaction in the plane of the groove.
2 β = Angle of the groove.
μ = Coefficient of friction between the belt and sides of the groove.
Resolving the reactions vertically to the groove,
R = R1 sinβ + R1 sinβ = 2 R1 sinβ
𝑅
R1 =
2 sinβ
We know that the frictional force
𝑅 μ𝑅
= 2 μ R1 = 2 μ × = =μRcosecβ
2 sinβ sinβ
Ratio of Driving Tensions for V-belt
Consider a small portion of the belt, subtending an angle δ𝛳 at the
centre. The tension on one side will be T and on the other side T + δT.
Now proceeding as in we get the frictional resistance equal to μ. R cosec
β instead of μ . R. Thus the relation between T1 and T2 for the V-belt
drive will be
𝑇
2.3 log ( 1) = μ𝛳 cosecβ
𝑇2