Enhanced brush model for the mechanics of power transmission in flat belt drives under steady–state conditions: Effect of belt elasticity. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frendo, F.; Bucchi, F.
• Is Part Of: Mechanism and machine theory. Volume 153(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Power transmissions -- Flat belt -- Mathematical model -- Belt stiffness -- Power losses -- Stick–slip; Machine theory -- Periodicals; Machinery -- Periodicals; Machines -- Périodiques; Génie mécanique -- Périodiques; Machine theory; Machinery; Periodicals; 621.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2020.103998
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-114X

Abstract

Highlights: The effect of belt stiffness on the mechanics of flat belt drive is analysed; The "brush model" is used for the description of the contact stresses; Closed form solution for the belt tension is obtained; The model is applied to the analysis of a given transmission; The effect of belt stiffness on contact stresses and efficiency is discussed. Abstract: The present paper is an extension of a previously published paper by the authors, where the "brush" model was adopted for the contact stresses between the belt and pulleys. In this paper, the axial stiffness of the belt is introduced, while in previous work, particularly suited for belt with stiff reinforcement fibers, the belt was assumed to be inextensible. The complete set of equations is derived in steady state conditions and the relationship between belt tension and belt speed is introduced based on the continuity condition. The belt tension can be obtained by solving a second order differential equation, for which a closed form solution is given. A numerical procedure is, however, necessary for determining the solution of a given transmission with assigned rotational speed at the driving pulley and resistant moment at the driven pulley. It is shown how the contact angle at which stick – slip phenomenon may occur is influenced by the belt stiffness and the way the transmission effiency is reduced. Allowing to analyze the mechanics of flat belt transmission, the model can be considered a useful tool for the designer.