Chapter 11

Power Transmission Drives

In order to transmit power from one machine member to other member, either flexible or
non flexible power transmission devices are used. Flexible device means the devices
whose center distance between driving and driven members can be changed conveniently.
Examples of such drives are belt drive, chain drive or rope drives. In non flexible, the
center distance is almost remains constant. Examples are gear drives, clutches, couplings,
power screw etc.
Belt drive: Belt drive consists of endless belt fitted over two pulleys and power
transmission between two shafts occur due to friction between the belt and pulley. Belt
drives are generally used when exact velocity ratio is not the prime reuirement in the
design. !ue to flexibility, it permits the designer to decide the relative distances between
the two shafts where the driving and driven machinery are to be "ept.
Basic types of belt drive
#here are four basic types of belt drives used in power transmission. #hese are
$a% Flat belt drive
$b% &'Belt drive
$c% (ibbed type
$d% #oothed type
Flat belt drive: Flat drives are used when moderate amount of power is to be
transmitted for longer distance up to maximum of )'1* m at a peripheral speed of about
+',* m-s and speed ratio of .'1*.
Open belt drive: /hen the shafts are parallel and rotates in same direction, open belt
drives is used.
Cross belt drive: 0hafts are arranged in parallel but rotates in opposite direction
Quarter twist drive: In this case shafts are at right angle and roted in some definite
direction.
V belt drive: & belt drives are used when higher amount of power is to be transmitted for
considerable shorter distance up to maximum of .'+ m at a peripheral speed of about +'
,* m-s and speed ratio of 1'1+.
Belt design
2et the speed and diameter of the driver pulley is 3
1
and !
1
and for driven pulley 3
4
and
!
4
respectively. 5s the length of the belt passes over one minute is same, we can write
4 4 1 1
N D N D or
1
4
4
1
N
N
D
D

$11.1%
/hile deriving euation 11.1 the thic"ness of the belt is not considered. If belt thic"ness t
is ta"en in to account, euation $11.1% becomes
4 4 1 1
% $ % $ N t D N t D + + or
1
4
4
1
N
N
t D
t D

+
+
$11.4%
Euation $11.1 and 11.4% are derived without considering the slip. If these is slip s in the
belts with respect each other, then euation 11.1 or 11.4 can be written as

1
4
4
1
1**
1
N
N s
D
D

,
_

and
1
4
4
1
1**
1
N
N s
t D
t D

,
_

+
+
$11.,%
Design formulation
#he basic euation for power transmission by a flat belt drive is given by
( )v T T P
4 1
m-s or watt $11..%
where #
1
and #
4
are belt tension in tight and slac" side respectively., & is the belt speed
and is given by
1*** 6*

DN
V

when ! in mm, 3 in (78 $11.+%
!esign power can be obtained if a service factor is multiplied in Euation $11..%
!esign power 9
( )
1***
4 1 S
VK T T
, "/ $11.6%
:s is service factor which depends on environmental and type of loading condition. #he
general values of :s varies between 1.4 to 1.... #able 11.1 illustrates the service factors
generally used for different conditions.
#able 11.1 0ervice factors :s
2oading condition 3ormal loading
condition or torue
3on uniform
loading condition
or torue
;niform e.g. centrifugal pumps, fans, light
machine tools conveyers etc.
1.*'1.4 1.1 < 1.,
2ight shoc" , e. g. heavy duty fans, blowers,
compressors, reciprocating pumps, heavy duty
machines etc.
1.1'1., 1.4 < 1..
8edium shoc" e.g. vacuum pumps etc 1.4 < 1.. 1.. < 1.6
=eavy shoc", rolling mills, stone crusher
machinery, grinders, hammering machinery
etc.
1., < 1.+ 1.+ < 1.)
/e have from belt tension

e
T
T

4
1
$11.1%
where is the angle of contact of the smaller pulley if both pulley are of same material.
If pulley materials are different, then

should be the smaller value among the two.

/riting Euation 11.1 in the following form and simplifying we can derive
1 1
4
1


e
T
T
$11.)%
1
4
4 1

e
T
T T
or ( ) 1
4 4 1


e T T T $11.>%
0ubstituting the value of #
4
from euation $11. 1% in above euation
( ) 1
1
4 1

e
e
T
T T or

,
_

e
e
T T T
1
1 4 1
$11.1*%
=ence !esign power 7 9
s s
K
e
e
V T VK T T

,
_

1
% $
1 4 1
$11.11%
#ension in the tight side of the belt is
1
1

e
e
V K
P
T
S
$11.14%
Belt Cross section
If t is the belt thic"ness and w is the belt width, then the
5rea
Tension Maximum
Area
Force
t

9
wt
T
1
$11.1,%
Euation 11.14 is based on hori?ontal belt position. But in many circumstances the belt
position may not be hori?ontal and there may be some inclination with the hori?ontal
position. In these circumstances, the belt tension differs and slightly increases. =ence to
account this a correction factor "nown as correction factor to belt inclination $
%

C
may
be introduced. #he values of this correction factor is given in #able 11.4
#able. 11.4 Correction factor to belt inclination $
%

C
#ype of drive Inclination to hori?ontal
*'6*
*
6*')*
*
)*'>*
*
@pen belt drive 1 *.> *.)
Cross belt drive *.> *.) *.1
#he allowable value of belt tension at tight depends on belt cross section and strength of
the belt material. 5s the belt ma"es one revolution it goes through a complex cycle of
fatigue loading.
t
C
T
wt

$11.1.%
0ubstituting the value of #
1
from Euation 11.14 in euation 11.1.
1
1

e
e
V K
P
C
wt
S t
9

e
e
C
T T
t
1
4 1

$11.1+%
#he euation derived above is valid for belt that runs slowly enough that the centrifugal
loading can be neglected. For greater power capacity most of the belt drives operate at
relatively high speed. #he centrifugal force acting on the belt creates a tension #
C
of
r m T
C
4
9
4
wtV $11.16%
where m is the mass per unit belt length, & is the belt velocity and r is the pulley radius.
/hen the velocity is high enough $&14 m-s% the centrifugal tension #
C
should be
added to belt tension #
1
and #
4
. #he corresponding euation of the ratio of belt tension
becomes,

e
T T
T T
C
C

4
1
$11.11%
It should be noted that due to centrifugal action the angle of warp reduces and hence the
torue transmission varies with speed. Considering the centrifugal action the design
euation becomes
t
C
C
T T
wt

1
$11.1)%
1
T T wtC
C t

or
1
4
T wtV wtC
t

$11.1>%
4
1
V C
T
wt
t

$11.4*%
/ith centrifugal action
1 1
4
1

e
T T
T T
C
C
$11.41%
( ) 1 % $
4 4 1


e T T T T
C
$11.44%
(eplacing #
4
9

e
T
1
in the right side of the euation 11.44 and simplifying

,
_

e
e
T T T T
C
1
% $
1 4 1
$11.4,%
9
( )

,
_

e
e
wtV wt C
t
1
4
$11.4.%
!esign euation becomes
( )

e
e
V C
T T
wt
t
1
4
4 1

$11.4+%
Belt initial tension
/hen the belt is wound around the pulley, initial tension is induced in the belt. #he initial
tension in the belt depends on the elastic characteristics of the belt material. #he tensions
induced in the tight and slac" side of the belt are shown in Figure 11.+

T T T T
C i
+ +
1 9
D M T T
t C i
- + +

$a%



T T T T
C i
+
4
9
D M T T
t C i
- +
$b%

Figure 11.+ Forces and torue on the pulley
From the tensions shown in Figure 11.+, the summation between the #
1
and #
4
is
% - $ % - $
4 1
D M T T D M T T T T
t C i t C i
+ + + + +
$11.46%
9 C i
T T 4 4 +
4
4
4 1 C
i
T T T
T
+ +
$11.41%
In absence of centrifugal action, initial tension should be average of #
1
and #
4
.
4
4 1
T T
T
i
+
$11.4)%
!ividing Euation 11.4) by euation 11.4,
0implifying and rearranging we
can write euation 11.4) as
{ }

,
_

e
e
T T T T T T T
C i
1
% $ 4 - % %$ $
1 4 1 4 1
1
1

e
e
D
M
T
t
i
$11.4>%
{ }

,
_

e
e
T T T T
T T
T
C
i
1
% $ 4 - % $
1 4 1
4 1
Euation 11.4> shows that if initial tension is nil then no torue will be transmitted.
=ence for satisfactory operation of belt drive, initial tension must be provided.
tress distribution
Following stresses are set up in belt.
1. Bending stress A #he bending stress in the belt cross section can be obtained from
the simple bending euation
R
E
y
b

D
Et
b

or
( )D
Et
b
4
1

4. Tensile stress A #ensile stresses are developed due to belt tension #

1
and #
4
. #he
magnitudes are given by
( )
bt
T
t
1
1
and ( )
bt
T
t
4
4

#he variation of stresses at different location of the belt is shown in Figure 11.6.
C
5 B



d
!


F E
!



#
1

#
4

8
t





#
1
'#
4

#
1
' #
4
#
1
#
i


#
C
#
4
B 5 F E ! C B

Figure Flat belt tensions
,. Centrifugal stress A #he stresses due to centrifugal force Fc is given by
A
F
C
C
9
wtg
wtV
4

9
g
V
4

=ence the maximum stress in the belt is

g
V
D
Et
wt
T
4
1
max

+ +
7ower transmission
#he transmitted power is given by
( )
1***
4 1
V T T
P

, "/
Contact angle or arc of contact
#he contact angle for open belt is given by
C
d D
S
4
sin 4
1




C
d D
b
4
sin 4
1

+


#he contact angle for cross belt is given by
C
d D
b S
4
sin 4
1
+
+


where ! 9 diameter of larger pulley
d 9 diameter of smaller pulley
C 9 center distance
9 angle of contact
!engt" of t"e belt
#he length of the belt can be obtained from summation of two arc lengths and twice the
distances between the beginning and end of contact .#he length of open belt system is
given by
( ) ( )
C
d D d D
C
!
. 4
%
4
4

+
+
+

#he length of cross belt system is given by
( ) ( )
C
d D d D
C
C
. 4
%
4
4
+
+
+
+

Belt material
&arieties of belt materials are available which are listed in #able 11., with their mean
properties. For a good belt following material properties are desirable.
$i% It should have sufficient strength in tension as the belt is subBected to tension
during power transmission
$ii% It should be flexible as it passes over a pulley in every rotation
$iii% It should have good frictional surface characteristics as the power capacity
depends on the coefficient of friction.
$iv% It should be light weight as it moves with high velocity and weight increases
centrifugal tension in the belt.
0ome of the materials which are used as belt materials are discussed below.
1. 2eather A
4. Fabrics and canvas
,. (ubber
.. Balata
8aterial 0pecifications 0i?e,
mm
8inimum
pulley
diameter,
mm
5llowable
tension
per unit
width at ,
m-s,
3-mm
0pecific weight
3-m
,
$1*
+
%
Coeffici
ent of
friction
2eather 1 ply t9..+
9+.*
1+
>*
+.4
+.)
*.*>+'*.114
*.*>+'*.114
*..*
*..*
4 ply 1.*
).*
11+
1+4
1.4
).1+
*.*>+'*.114
*.*>+'*.114
*..*
*..*
>.* 4,* 1*.+ *.*>+'*.114 .*.*
(ubber , '1* ply 1.4
'4.*
6.+'1*.+ *.1,1 *..4
Balata *.1*> *..4
Canvas *.14* *.,*
Belt si#es
#he standard belt thic"ness and widths are listed in #able 11.+
#able.
8aterial Belt thic"ness, mm Belt width, mm
0tandard values +
6.+
)
1*
14
,+ to 6,
+* to 1.*
>* to 44.
14+ to .**
4+* to 6**
2eather belt , to +.+ single ply
1.+ to 1* double ply
4* to ,**
4* to ,**
/oven cotton ..+ to ).+ ,* to 4+*
/oven woolen 6.> to 11.6 +* to +**
Coefficient of friction
#he coefficient of friction depends on the belt and pulley material and their
environmental conditions. For leather belting with cast iron pulley generally *. , is used
where as for rubber belting slightly lower value of co'efficient of friction $ 9'.4+% is
used. If pulley are of plastic, further reduced values of coefficient of friction is used.
Pulley Design
#able 0tandard pulley si?es in mm
.*$+%++, +6, 6,, 11, )*, >*, 1**, 114, 14+, 1.*, 16*, 1)*, 4**, 44., 4+*, 4)*, ,1+, ,++,
.**, .+*, +**, +6*, 6,*, 11*, )**, >**, 1***, 114*, 14+*, 1.**, 16**, 1)** and 4***
$%ample &' !esign a flat belt drive for a fan running at ,6* rpm which is driven by a 1*
"/, 1..* rpm motor. #he belt drive is open type and space available for center distance
is 4 m approximately.
olution
!ata given
7ower 79 1*.* "/
0peed of motor 3
1
9 1..* rpm
0peed of fan , 3
4
9 ,6* rpm
8aximum C 9 4*** mm
5ssumption made
Belt position A =ori?ontal
0lip s 9 4.* C
!iameter of larger pulley in meter may be obtained from empirical relation
max
1
,, . 1 1 . 1
N
P
to D
9
1..*
1*
,, . 1 1 . 1 to 9 *.*>16 to *.11*) m
!
1
9>1.6 mm to 11*.) mm
From the standard pulley diameter of mild steel or cast iron $ D >*, 1**, 114, 14+, 1.*,
D % !
1
9 1** mm is selected.
!iameter of driver pulley !
1
9 1** mm
$ii% !iameter of driven pulley $!
4
%
&elocity ration &(9 1..*-,6* 9 .
% 1** - 1 $
1
4
s D
D
VR

9
% 1** - 4 1 $ 1**
.
4

D
, !
4
9 ,>4 mm
5vailable diameters are D. ,1+, ,++, .**, +** D etc
=ence, select !
4
9 .** mm
Corrected velocity ratio &( $corrected% 9 .**-$1**x$1'*.*4%% 9 ..*)
5s the induced or corrected velocity ratio is different than given one, hence the deviation
is to be determined from which conclusion regarding acceptance of the diameters can be
made.
!eviation from the given velocity ratio 9 $..*)'.%-. 9 4 C
#he general permissible deviation should be within the limit of t, to + C. In this case it
is within the permissible limit, so diameters are accepted.
$iii% Belt speed &
1*** 6*
1 1

N D
V

9
1*** 6*
% 1..* %$ 1** $

9 1.+. m-s
$v% Centre distance C
Empirically ( )
4 1
% 4 + . 1 $ D D to C + or
4
+ . , D C
( ) .** 1** % 4 + . 1 $ + to C
or
% .** $ + . , C
C $min%9 1+* mm to 1*** mm or 1.** mm
5s per given data C E 4*** mm
#a"e C9 1.** mm
$v% 2ength of the belt
( ) ( )
C
d D d D
C
!
. 4
%
4
4

+
+
+

9
( ) ( )
% 1.** $ .
1** .**
4
% 1** .**
% 1.** $ 4
4

+
+
+

9 ,6*4 mm
#a"e 2
*
9 ,6** mm
$vi% 5ngle of lap
C
d D
S
4
sin 4
1




9
% 1.** $ 4
1** .**
sin 4
1

9 11,.)+
*
9 ,.*,. radian
$vii% Coefficient of friction
Co efficient of friction can be selected from the pulley and belt combination. Considering
a leather belting,

*., is considered.
$viii% Calculation of belt tension
5s both of the pulley are made of same material, hence the governing factor will be the
condition at the smaller pulley. =ence
( )
at smaller pulley should be ta"en in force
calculation. 5lso as the speed is less than 14 m.s hence centrifugal action may be
neglected. /e have then,

e
T
T

4
1
9
% *,. . , , . * $
e 9 4..)+
#
1
9 4..)+ #
4
$a%
From power to be transmitted
( )
1***
4 1
V T T
P

,
( )
1***
+. . 1
1*
4 1
T T
#
1
' #
4
9 1,46.46 3
$b%
From $a% and $b% #
1
9 441>.,6+ 3 and #
4
9 )>,.1*. 3
From design euation
( )

e
e
C
T T
wt
t
1
4 1

9
( )
% *,. . , , . * $
% *,. .. , , . * $
1
4 . 1
1*. . ),> ,6+ . 441>

e
e
t

9
t

)66 . 1>4.
Belt si?e can be determined from the allowable strength of the belt material.
From #able 11.. we have
For t9... mm
t
w
9 +.4 3-mm
. . . 4 . +
)66 . 1>4.

w
9 )..14> mm for 4 ply without velocity correction
with velocity correction factor
>1+ . * . . . 4 . +
)66 . 1>4.

w
9 )6.4> mm for two ply
/idth per ply 9 .,.1+ mm
t9... mm w9 .+.** mm
0imilar calculations are made for t9+.* and shown in following table.
8aterial thic"ness 8inimu
m pulley
dia
5llowable tension
per unit width at ,
m-s, 3-mm
&elocity
correction
factor
/idth ,
mm
2eather, 1 ply t9...
9+.*
1+
>*
+.4
+.)
*.>1+
*.>)+
.+
,+
5s both width are available in standard si?e, hence any one may be recommended.
Belt specifications are
&'( m lengt" of () mm wide % ('( mm t"ic*ness and + plies
$%ample +' !esign a flat belt drive to connect two hori?ontal shafts. #he nominal power
transmission is to be ,+ "/ under moderate shoc" loading condition. #he velocity ratio
is 4.+ with speed of driven pulley is 1)** rpm. #he distance between the two shafts is 1
m. !esign factor may be ta"en as 1.1
0olution
Fiven 79 ,+ "/
&(94.+
3
1
9 1)** rpm
3
4
9 1)**-4.+ 9 1+* rpm
C91*** mm
2oading condition A moderate shoc" :s91.,
!ecision A Belt materialA leather
In the present problem, as the nominal power is given, hence it is reuired to determine
design power as follows.
!esign power 9 3ominal power x service factor x design factor
( ) ( )
d S a" no Design
N K #$ #$
min
From #able :s 9 1.,, 3
d
9 1.1
!esign power, "/ 9 ,+ $1.,% $1.1% 9 +*.*+ "/
$i% !iameter of larger pulley in meter may be obtained from empirical relation
max
1
,, . 1 1 . 1
N
P
to D
9
1)**
*+ . +*
,, . 1 1 . 1 to 9 *.1), to *.441 m
!
1
91), mm to 441 mm
From the standard pulley diameter of mild steel or cast iron $ D >*, 1**, 114, 14+,
1.*,16*,1)*, 4**, 44. etcD % !
1
9 4** mm is selected.
!iameter of driver pulley !
1
9 4** mm
$ii% !iameter of driven pulley $!
4
%
% 1** - 1 $
1
4
s D
D
VR

9
% 1** - + . 4 1 $ 4**
+ . 4
4

D
!
4
9 .)1.+ mm
5vailable diameters are D. ,1+, ,++, .**, +** D etc
=ence, select !
4
9 +** mm
Corrected velocity ratio &( $corrected% 9 +**-$4**x$1'*.*4+%% 9 4.+6.
!eviation from the given velocity ratio 9 $4.+6.'4.+%-4.+9 4.+6 C
#he general permissible deviation should be within the limit of t, to + C. In this case it
is within the permissible limit, so diameters are accepted.
$iii% Belt speed &
1*** 6*
1 1

N D
V

9
1*** 6*
% 1)** %$ 4** $

9 1).)+ m-s
$vi% Centre distance C
C9 1*** mm
$v% 2ength of the belt
( ) ( )
C
d D d D
C
!
. 4
%
4
4

+
+
+

9
( ) ( )
% 1*** $ .
4** +**
4
% 4** +**
% 1*** $ 4
4

+
+
+

91+1*4.1) mm
#a"e 2
*
9 1+1*+ mm
$vi% 5ngle of lap
C
d D
S
4
sin 4
1




9
% 1*** $ 4
4** +**
sin 4
1

9 111.++
*
9 ,.*>> radian
$v% centrifugal force
For leather

91*** "g-m
,
Fc9

&
4
9
>.)1
% 1***$1).)+
4
9 *.,64 87a
Cross section of belt
( )

e
e
V C
T T
wt
t
1
4
4 1

9
( )

e
e
V C V
#$
t
1
1*
4
,

ta"ing

C
91.* ,
% *>> . , , . * $
% *>> . , , . * $
1

e
e
9 *.6*6
( ) % 6*6 . * $ 441 . * % 1 $ )+ . 1)
1* *+ . +*
,

t
wt

9
,64 . *
,,. . .,)6

#a"ing allowable tensile strength of oa" tanned leather as t

9 ,.* 87a
wt 9 1664.1+ mm
4
for t9+.* mm w9,,4.++ mm. In single ply, it is not available.
For t9+.+ mm w9,*4., mm. 5vailable in single ply with w9,** mm
$%ample , 5 belt drive transmits 1+ "/ at a belt speed of 4*m-s approximately and
velocity ratio of ,.+. #he center distance is approximately 4.+ times the diameter of larger
pulley. #he stress in the belt should not exceed 4.+ 3-mm
4
. !ensity of belt material is
*.>1 gm-cc. 0electing a cast iron pulley and leather belt, determine the belt dimensions.
0peed of the driver unit is 11+* rpm
olution
$i% !iameter of smaller pulley
1*** 6*
1 1

N D
V

9
1*** 6*
% 11+* $
4*
1

D
9 41).41 mm
From available standard diameters selected d9 !
1
9 44. mm
!iameter of bigger pulley !
4
9 44.
+**
11+*

9 1). mm
0tandard diameter is ! 9 !
4
9 )** mm
Corrected velocity is
% 1*** $ 6*
1 1
N D
V

9
% 1*** $ 6*
% 11+* %$ 44. $
94*.+4+ m-s $without slip%
-ote : One can calculate ta*ing slip of +., /
C difference between velocities 9 1**$4*.+4+'4*%-4* 9 4.64+C which is less than
permissible limits. =ence both pulley diameters are acceptable.
$ii% Center distance $ Fiven% C9 4.+ $!
4
% 9 4.+x)**9 4*** mm
Empirically ( )
4 1
% 4 + . 1 $ D D to C +
( ) )** 44. % 4 + . 1 $ + to C
. =ence C 1+,6 to 4*.)
5s the value is within limits, hence, it is acceptable. @ne can consider slightly smaller
center distance for the same problem.
$iii%
( ) ( )
C
d D d D
C
!
. 4
%
4
4

+
+
+

9
( ) ( )
% 4*** $ .
44. )**
4
% 44. )**
% 4*** $ 4
4

+
+
+

0+6.>.>61 mm 0 )1)2 mm
$iv% 5ngle of twist
C
d D
S
4
sin 4
1




9
% 4*** $ 4
44. )**
sin 4
1

9 16,... deg 9 4.)+, radian

5s the speed is more than 14 m-s, centrifugal tension should be considered.
8ass of belt per meter length
m9density x Cross sectional area 9 >1*
1*** 1***
t w

9 *.>1x1*
',
wt "g-m
/e have
#c9 m&
4
9 *.>1x1*
',
$wt% $4*.+4+%
4
9 *..*)wt

e
T T
T T
C
C

4
1
9
% )+, . 4 $ , . *
4
1
.*) . *
.*) . *
e
wt T
wt T

94.,+.
,+. . 4 % .*) . * $ .*) . *
4 1
wt T wt T 0 4.,+. #
4
'*.>6*. wt
0implifying we get #
1
< 4.,+. #
4
G *.++4. wt 9* $i%
/e have also
( )
1***
4 1
V T T
P

9 1+ 9
( )
1***
+4+ . 4*
4 1
T T

#
1
' #
4
9 1,*.)16 $ii%
A T
1
0
% $wt
0 4.+$wt% $iii%
From $i% to $iii%
$%ample ( 5 4+ "/,11+* rpm motor drives a machine through a flat belt. 5ssuming
maximum belt tension limited to 1+ "3 and the coefficient of friction to be at least *.4,
determine belt si?e.
$%ample ) 5 + "/, 11+* rpm motor drives a machine through a multiple flat belts. #he
weight of the belt is 4.6 "g-m. #he pulley on the motor shaft has 1.* mm pitch diameter
and the angle of warp is 16)
*
. 5ssuming maximum belt limited to 1** 3 and coefficient
of friction between belt and pulley *.4*, $a% determine how many belts are reuired $b%
Belt dimensions.
0olution
1*** 6*
1 1

N D
V

9
( )( )
1*** 6*
11+* 1.*

9 14.), m-s

e
T T
T T
C
C

4
1
9
1)* - 16) 4 . *
e 9
+)6 . *
e 9 1.1>)
8ass of belt per meter length m9 4.6 3-m
/e have
#c9 m&
4
9 4.6 $14.),%
4
9 .41.>) 3
5lso given maximum belt tension limited to 1** 3. =ence
1
T 1** 3
1>) . 1
4
1

C
C
T T
T T
1>) . 1
>) . .41
>) . .41 1**
4

T
gives
4
T +1>.41 3
7ower transmission per belt in "/ ,
( )
1***
4 1
V T T
P

9
( )
1***
), . 14 41 . +1> 1**
9 1.+.
"/
3o of belt reuired 9
#$
#$
+. . 1
+
9 ,.4. 9 .
. number of belt will be reuired.
8ass of the belt per unit length 9 5rea x density 9
t w
5ssuming a leather belt type for which
,
- 1*** m #g
6 . 4 1*** wt t w m
,
1* 6 . 4

wt m
4
3ow ta"ing standard thic"ness
* . + t mm +4* w mm (emar" A 0tandard belt is not available
* . ) t mm ,4+ w mm (emar" A 0tandard belt is not available
* . 1* t mm 46* w mm 3emar* : tandard belt is available
$%ample 1: (ecommend a flat belt drive for driving a centrifugal pump with ) "/ motor
operating continuously at 11+* rpm. #he pump speed should be 16++ t1* rpm and the
center distance may be from 1+* mm to 1*** mm. #he preferable distance may be >**
mm.
$%ample 4
$%ample 5
Flat metal belt design for $%pected !ife
#he belts are of simple cross section or geometry, but their life determination is very
difficult because the Boint that made to ma"e the loop is not accurately "nown. #he
general rule for determination of the fatigue life can not be applied to belt.
5pproximately belts are tested on two eual pulleys to determine the belt life. #he data
available for metal belt is given in table
6aterial 7ield
strengt"
6Pa
7oung
6odulus8
6Pa
Poisson9s
ratio
D:t Bending
stress
$;' ,2
Belt passes
,*1 or ,*4
stainless
steel
14** 1>, *.4> 64+
.**
,,,
4**
,,1
+41
6,,
1*++
6
1*
*.+** . 1*
6
*.16+ . 1*
6
*.*)+ . 1*
6
#he regression euation between stress and life shows the following relation
4*) . *
>*+1

%
N with correlation coefficient (H*.>,
where 3
f
is the number of belt passes.
Following step may be followed to select a metal flat belt for transmission of power.
0tep 1. InputsA 7ower reuired $ rated power%, Center distance if available, speed ratio or
speed of driver and driven parts
0tep 4. 0elect service factor and calculate design power
0tep ,. !etermine pulley diameters and select standard pulleys
0tep .. &erify the velocity ratio, and its acceptability, If it is not acceptable, select next
pair of pulley diameters and verify its acceptability.
0tep +. Chec" for any other diameter constraints if available.
0tep 6. Find the ratio of belt tension

e
T
T

4
1
or

e
T T
T T
C
C

4
1
according to the
velocity from friction and geometry
0tep 1. Find endurance strength
4*) . *
>*+1

% %
N S for ,*1 or ,*4 stainless steel
,
y
%
S

for others
0tep ). Find allowable tension
( )
wt
D
Et
S T
% a""
1
1
]
1

4
1
or
allowable strength
( )D
Et
S
% a""
4
1

0tep >. Calculate
D
M
T T T
t
4
4 1

0tep 1*. Calculate
D
M
T T T T
t
a"" a""
4
4
or from step 6 and step >
0tep 11 Find initial belt tension
4
4
T T
T
a""
i
+

0tep 14. Find

( )

e
e
V C
T T
wt
a""
1
4
4 1

0tep 1, Find w for standard value of thic"ness t

0tep 1. &erify the friction if it is assumed or selected from the standard value.
$%ample <' !esign a metal belt drive which runs over two eual si?ed pulley of diameter
14+ mm to transmit + 3m torue. #he expected belt passes must be +x1*
+
.
0olution
5ssumptions
$i% 5ssume angle of contact
*
1)* as it runs on eual dia pulleys.
$ii% 0elect a ,*4 stainless steel metal belt drive. #he coefficient of friction for
metal may be ta"en as *.,+
$iii% 0elect metal belt thic"ness from the table corresponding to pulley diameter
14+ mm. #he corresponding thic"ness is *.4* mm
,
,+ . *
and t9*.4 mm
0tep 1 to + are not reuired for this problem. From step 6 $ without considering
centrifugal action as many parameters are not "nown%

e
T
T

4
1
9
,+ . *
e 9 ,.**
( )
4*) . *
6
1* + >*+1


%
S 9,6+.)6 87a
( )D
Et
S
% a""
4
1

9
( )14+ 4> . * 1
% 4* . * %$ 1* $ 1>,
)6 . ,6+
4
,

9 4).11 87a
or
( )
wt
D
Et
S T
% a""
1
1
]
1

4
1
9 4).11
w
D
M
T T T
t
4
4 1
9
1*** - 14+
+ 4
9 )* 3
)* 11 . 4)
4
w T T T
a""
( )
,
1 ,
11 . 4) 1
)*

wt
9 ..11>
4 . * - 11> . .
min
w 0 +2'5< mm
Verification
)* 11 . 4)
4
w T T T
a""
9 )* 41 11 . 4) 9 +44.>1 3
4 1
T T T + 9 )* G +44.>1 9 6*4.>1 3

e
T
T

4
1
9
>1 . +44
>1 . 6*4
( )
4 1
- ln
1
T T

9
( ) 1+4> . 1 ln
1

9 *.*.+ which is less than the assumed value.

=ence it is accepted.
$%ample &2. 0elect a stainless steel belt for continuous operation for a mine hoist in
which hoist runs at +* rpm and the 16 "/ driving motor runs at +1+ rpm for 1*
6
belt
passes.
$%ample &&' Find belt tensions during high and low power demand for a compressor
driven by ,* "/ internal combustion engine at .*** rpm. #he service factor is 1.,,
center distance ++* mm, pulleys diameters are .** mm and 1** mm. #he machine
operates at an input power of ,* "/ for 1+C of the time and at an input power of 4* "/
for remaining time.
V Belt selection
& belt drive is generally used where a great amount of power is to be tranmitted from one
pulley to another pulley. #his is possible because of increased coefficient of friction
% sin - $
I
as compared to flat belt. !ue to increased value of coefficient of friction,
the drive permits to operate at a reduced value of angle of contact on smaller pulley and
with a low initial tension.
Belt selection means to find a standard belt that will closely match the reuired power to
be transmitted at reuired velocity ratio between input and output shafts for a reuired
center distance. #he standard cross section of a & belt is shown in figure 11.1*. #he
dimensions of the cross section are standardi?ed by the manufacturers and Bureau of
Indian standard. #here are five basic standards & belts and named as 5, B, C, !, and E
type & belt.
.*
*

#
/
#able 11.11 !imensions of standard & belt cross section
Belt
0ection
/idth
/,
mm
#hic"ness
#, mm
Juantity to be
added for length
conversion
8inimum
sheave-pulley
diameter
"/ range, one
or more belts
5
B
C
!
E
1,
11
44
,4
,)
)
11
1.
1>
4,
,,
.+
1.
).
11.
1+
1,+
44+
,4+
+.*
*.4 to 1.+
*.1+ to 1)
11 to 1+
,1 to 1)+
1+ or higher
0pecification of & belt is written as followsA
Belt section'inside circumference length, mm
Example ! .*1, is a ! type section belt having an inside circumference length of .*1,
mm. #he pitch length is obtained by adding the uantity mentioned in table 11.11. #he
pitch length of !.*1, is .*1,G). 9 .*>1 mm $ 7itch length of the belt is defined as the
circumferential length of the belt at the pitch width i.e width at the neutral axis of the belt
cross section.
#he included angle between sides is generally .*
*
and the angle of groove in the pulley is
generally made less than that of the belt so that the belt wedges to increase the effective
coefficient of friction. #his angle on the pulley is generally "ept ,* to ,+
*
depending
upon the diameter of the pulley and type of belt and angle of contact.
#able 11.14 Inside circumference length of standard belt
Belt
0ection
Inside Circumference length, mm
5
B
C
!
66*,1)1, ))>, 1*61, 116), 141>, 1,.6, 1,>1, 1..1, 1+4+, 1+1., 1646, 1616,
1141, 1)*,, 1>*+, 1>)1, 4*,4, 41+>, 44)6, 4.,), 4661, 4).+, ,*.), ,4+1
))>, >6+, 1*61, 116), 141>, 14>+, 1,.6, 1,>1, 1..1, 1+4., 1+1., 1646, 1616,
1141, 1)*,, 1>**, 1>)1, 4**1, 4*+1, 41+>, 44)6, 4,64, 4.6., 4+.*, 4616,
4661, 4).>, ,*.), ,4+1, ,,41, ,.+1, ,6,), .*1,, .,>., .+14, .>+,, +,,.,
6*>6, 6)+), 164*
14>+, 1+4., 1141, 1>*+, 4*+1, 41+>,
,*.), ,4+1, ,6+), .*1,, .11+, .,>.,
E .+14, .>+,, +,,.,
Because of standardi?ation belt selection has become a step by step procedure which
should be followed. #he procedure is explained below.
Belt selection procedure
tep &. #he information stated here are generally given in the problem statement. If not
given, select specific motor or engine reuired for the drive system and the reuired
speed ratio, center distance between input and output shafts along with the tolerable
limits of speed ratio and center distance.
tep +' 0elect service factor from #able 11.1*. If none of the machines characteristics are
euivalent to the driver and driven euipment, use figure for section of design power
from the "nown value of fastest speed of the euipment.
#able 11.1* 0ervice factors
!riven 8achine !river
#he euipments shown below are
representative only. 0elect a machine
which is very close to the given one.
5C 8otorsA 3ormal torue,
suirell cage, synchronous,
split phase
!C motorsA 0hunt wound
EnginesA 8ultiple cylinder
internal combustion
5C 8otorsA =igh torue,
=igh slip, (epultion
induction,0ingle phase 0eries
wound, slip ring
!C motorsA 0eries wound,
compound wound
EnginesA 0ingle cylinder
internal combustion
2ine shaft, clutches
Intermi'
ttent
service
3ormal
service
Contin'
uous
service
Intermi'
ttent
service
3ormal
service
Conti'
nuous
service
,'+
h-day
)'1*
h-day
1*'4.
h-day
,'+
h-day
)'1*
h-day
1*'4.
h-day
5gitator for liuids Blowers, Exhausters,
centrifugal pumps K compressors, fan up
to 1* =7, light duty conveyers
1.* 1.1 1.4 1.1 1.4 1.,
Belt conveyers for sand, grain etc,
!ough 8ixer, Fans over 1* =7,
Fenerator, 2ine shaft, 2aundry 8achine,
8achine tools, punches, presses , shears,
printing machines, positive displacement
rotary pumps, revolving and vibratory
screens
1.1 1.4 1., 1.4 1., 1..
Bric" machinery 1.4 1., 1.. 1.. 1.+ 1.6
Crushes, hoist 1., 1.. 1.+ 1.+ 1.6 1.)
100
1000
10000
1 10 100 1000
Design power, kW
S
p
e
e
d

o
f

t
h
e

f
a
s
t
e
r

s
h
a
f
t
,

r
p
m
Figure 11.1* Cross section selection chart
tep ,. @nce the design factor is selected, design power is obtained as
!esign 7ower 9 (ated 7ower 0ervice factor
tep (. @btain the belt cross section from the figure 11.1* by finding the intersection of a
line representing the rpm of the fastest shaft, given along the ordinate and a line
representing the design power, given in "/ along the abscissa. #he area in the
intersection point indicates the cross section is to be used. 0ome times the intersection
point falls near a boundary. In this case two selection be made one for each and decision
may be ta"en after design and analysis. For Example +* "/ $!esign 7ower% is to be
transmitted at 1*** rpm. #he intersection point lies on the boundary of C belt and ! belt.
5nalysis should be made for both the belts.
5
C
!
B
E
tep ). #he fifth step is to select standard pulley for this cross section from #able 11.14
to provide the desired speed ratio.
#able 11.11 0tandard pulley pitch diameters for 5, B, C, ! and E belt series
Belt section 7ulley pitch
diameter, mm
Belt speed , m-s
+ 1* 1+ 4* 4+
5
B
C
!
E
6*
1+
)+
>+
1*+
11+
14+ or higher
1*+
11+
14+
1,+
1.+
1++
16+
11+ or higher
1+*
11+
4**
44+
4+*
41+
,*+ or higher
4+*
41+
,**
,4+
,+*
,1+
.**
.4+ or higher
.**
.+*
+**
++*
6**
6+*
1** or higher
*.,+
*.+*
*.6*
*.6>
*.11
*.),
*.)1
*..6
*.1+
*.>)
1.16
1.,*
1..*
1.+1
*..*
*.).
1.11
1..,
1.6.
1.)4
1.>1
*.11
*.6>
1.1.
1.+*
1.11
4.**
4.4*
'
*.4)
*.).
1.4)
1.6,
1.>4
4.1+
0tep 6. 5fter selecting the standard cross section of belt and pulley si?e, determine the
power rating of the belt from table 11.11. #he belt should be run at moderate speed. In
fastest speed i.e. over 4+ m-s or slowest speed i.e less than + m-s, trouble may be
encountered. #his may be avoided.
0tep 1. Calculate the belt length for the desired centre distance for the pulley selected
above. 0ome times the exact center distance is not "nown. In this circumstances, it should
be decided from the space available for the drive.


4
!
1
!
4





C




( )
1 4
4
1
D D
4 -

( ) ( ) { } [ ]
4 - 1
4
1 4
4 4
1
+ . * 4
4
4
4
D D C
D
D + +

where

,
_

C
D D
4
cos 4
1 4 1

0implifying above euation we can write

( )
( )
C
D D
D D C
. 4
4
4
1 4
1 4

+ + +

0tep ). 0elect a standard length from the table 11.1+ and calculate the modified center
distance from the following euation.
( ) ( ) ( )

'

1
]
1

+ +
1
]
1

+
4
1 4
4
1 4 1 4
4
4 4 .
1
D D D D D D C

'

1
1
1
1
1
]
1

,
_

+
,
_

+

4 - 1
4
1 4
4
1 4 1 4
4
% $ 4
1 1
4
4+ . *
D D

D D D D
C

If the center distance calculated above is satisfactory, move to the next step. @therwise,
repeat the process till a satisfactory and acceptable belt length and center distance is
obtained. If the center distance obtained is not satisfactory after so many trial,
recommend to select other drive such as chain, rope etc.
0tep >. #he next step is to calculate the power per belt. #o determine this, find out the
belt length correction factor corresponding to standard length selected from #able 11.1+,
correction factor for arc of length and power rating.
#able 11.1+ Correction factor for belt length, :
2
3ominal belt length, mm
5 belt B type C type ! type E type 2ength
factor
4>*
>6+'111*
144*'1.**
1+**'1)1+
1>+*'44+*
4.**'4)**
,***
111*
144*'1+**
1+,*'1)1+
1>+*'4.4+
464+',***
,4**',6**
,>+*'.+**
.)1+
1)1+
4*4+'4.**
464+',***
,4**',>+*
.*+*'.)1+
+4+*'6***
61+*'1+**
)4+*
,4**
,6**'.*+*
.,4+'+4+*
6***
61+*')4+*
>***'1*+**
14***
1,+**
.)1+
+4+*'6***
61+*'1+**
)4+*'>1+*
1*+**'14***
1,+**'1+***
16+**
*.)+
*.>*
*.>+
1.**
1.*+
1.1*
1.1+
1.4*
0.6
0.65
0.7
0.75
0.8
0.85
0.9
0.95
1
80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180
Angle of contact, degree
A
n
g
l
e

o
f

c
o
n
t
a
c
t

c
o
r
r
e
c
t
i
o
n

f
a
c
t
o
r
(egression euation 11+1 . * **1> . * 1* * . 4
4 +
+ +

K with >>>, . *
4
r

Figure Correction factor for angle of contact
7ower per belt is determined from the following euation.
7ower per belt9 (ated power length correction factor 5ngle of contact correction
Factor
( )

K K #$
be"t
#$
rated

0tep 1*. #he number of belt reuired is obtained from
3o of belt 9
belt per
power !esign
#$
#he number of belt so obtained should be rounded up to nearest integer.
$%ample &+. 0elect a & belt drive for 1+ "/, 1..* rpm motor, which drives a centrifugal
pump running at a speed of +16 rpm for a service of )'1* hours per day. #he distance
between the driver and driven shaft is approximately 1.4 m.
olution
0ervice factor s
K
91.1. !esign factor a
N
9 1.* $ assumed as it is not stated in the
problem%
!esign 7ower 9 (ated 7ower 0ervice factor !esign factor
( )
a s Design
N K #$ #$
9 1+1.11.* 9 16.+ "/
#he highest speed of the motor is 1..* rpm. 3ow corresponding to 1..* rpm and 16.+
"/, B type of belt is selected.
#he width and thic"ness of the belt are /9 11 mm and #911 mm, respectively.
Corresponding to B type belt, minimum pulley diameter is 1,+ mm. #he other pulley
available are 1,+, 1.+,1++ , 16+, 11+ or higher. 0electing
!
1
9 1.+ mm
!
4
9 !
1
&( 9 1.+4.+ 9 ,64.+ mm
#he preferred pitch diameter available are ,++, ,1+, .**, .4+ etc.
0electing ,++ mm as pitch diameter the design velocity ratio becomes 4...> and
percentage difference is 4.*6C which is acceptable.
Belt pitch length ( )
( )
C
D D
D D C
. 4
4
4
1 4
1 4

+ + +

( )
( )
14** .
1.+ ,++
1.+ ,++
4
14** 4
4

+ + +

9 4>>1.>+ mm
#he standard pitch length for B type is 4)>. or ,*>, mm. First considering shorter belt
length center distance is re calculated. #he shorter distance is ta"en because the
calculation is made considering the maximum space available for the transmission drive.
#he modified center distance is

'

1
1
1
1
1
]
1

,
_

+
,
_

+

4 - 1
4
1 4
4
1 4 1 4
4
% $ 4
1 1
4
4+ . *
D D

D D D D
C

'

1
1
1
1
1
]
1

,
_

+
,
_

4 - 1
4
4
4
+**
4)>.
% 41* $ 4
1 1
4
+**
4)>. 4+ . *

9 1*.>.*. mm
Considering the higher belt length, the centre distance is

'

1
1
1
1
1
]
1

,
_

+
,
_

4 - 1
4
4
4
+**
,*>,
% 41* $ 4
1 1
4
+**
,*>, 4+ . *

C
9 11.>.** mm
#his is more than the space available. 0o this belt length is reBected.
#o calculate the "/ per belt the multiplying factors are reuired.

,
_

C
D D
4
cos 4
1 4 1

9
,
_

1*+* 4
1.+ ,++
cos 4
1
9 16).+
*
1*** 6*
1 1

N D
V

9
1*** 6*
% 1..* %$ 1.+ $

9 1*.>, m-s

K 9 1.*+,
K
9 *.>), and rated "/ 9 4.1
( )

K K #$
be"t
#$
rated

94.11.*+ *.>) 9 4.16*>
3o of belt reuired 9
16*> . 4
+ . 16
9 1.6 9 ) belts are reuired.