FLAT BELT AND V-BELT DRIVES
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.
Selection of a Belt Drive
Important factors upon which the selection of a belt drive depends:
Speed of the driving and driven shafts
Speed reduction ratio
Power to be transmitted
Centre distance between the shafts
Positive drive requirements
Shafts layout, Space available, Service conditions.
Types of Belts
Flat belt, is mostly used in the factories and workshops, 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.
The V-belt, is mostly used in the 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.
The circular belt or rope ,is mostly used in the factories and workshops, where a great amount
of power is to be transmitted, from one pulley to another, when the two pulleys are more than 8
metres apart.
Types of Flat Belt Drives
Velocity Ratio of a Belt Drive
Slip of the Belt
Sometimes, the frictional grip becomes insufficient, this may cause some forward motion of the
driver without carrying the belt with it. This is called slip of the belt and is generally expressed
as a percentage.
The result of the belt slipping is to reduce the velocity ratio of the system.
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 the slack side.
Due to these changes of length, there is a relative motion between the belt and the pulley
surfaces. This relative motion is termed as creep.
The total effect of creep is to reduce slightly the speed of the driven pulley or follower.
Power Transmitted by a Belt
Ratio of Driving Tensions for Flat Belt Drive
V-Belts
Advantages and Disadvantages of V-belt Drive over Flat
Belt Drive
Advantages:
The V-belt drive gives compactness due to the small distance between 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 can not be used with large centre distances, because of larger weight per unit
length.
The V-belts are not so durable as flat belts.
The construction of pulleys for V-belts is more complicated than pulleys of flat belts.
Since the V-belts are subjected to certain amount of creep, therefore these are not suitable for
constant speed applications 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 50 m / s.