Validation of the brush model for the analysis of flat belt transmissions in steady-state conditions by finite element simulation. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bucchi, F.; Frendo, F.
• Is Part Of: Mechanism and machine theory. Volume 167(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Power transmissions -- Flat belt -- Brush model -- Creep model -- Finite element analysis -- Validation; Machine theory -- Periodicals; Machinery -- Periodicals; Machines -- Périodiques; Génie mécanique -- Périodiques; Machine theory; Machinery; Periodicals; 621.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2021.104556
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-114X

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper a finite element (FE) model for the analysis of the contact stresses in flat belt transmissions was developed, with the intent of comparing the numerical with the theoretical results of the brush model and those of the classical Euler–Grashof (creep) model. The FE model consists of two pulleys and a belt composed of a thin layer of inextensible reinforcement fibers and a rubber matrix in contact with the pulley. The analysis is performed incrementally, under quasi-static conditions; as a consequence, any inertia effect is not accounted for. In the paper, the capabilities of the analyzed models are discussed. The brush model is generally better correlated with the FE results, both in terms of tangential stress along the winding arc and belt tension and it is capable of estimating the power losses due to friction with low computational and time effort. In addition, the effect of the belt thickness on the tangential stress at the entrance and the exit from the pulley, which are generally neglected by simplified model, are highlighted by the FE analysis. Highlights: Validation of Brush model for flat belts. Finite element analysis of flat belt transmission. Comparison of the among creep model, brush model, finite element model. Creep model is not suitable to reproduce tangential stress along the pulleys. Brush model obtains fairly similar results to FE with lower computational effort.