Thumbnail Image
Publication

Synchronous Belt Mechanics and Life Prediction

Parker, Ian K.
Citations
Altmetric:
Publication Date
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Day, Andrew J.
Childs, T.H.C.
Keywords
Engine components, Belt life prediction, Synchronous belts, Mathematical modelling, Belt mechanics, Automotive camshaft drives, Toothed belts
Rights
Creative Commons License
The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
Peer-Reviewed
Open Access status
Accepted for publication
Institution
University of Bradford
Department
Postgraduate School of Mechanical and Manutacturing Engineering
Awarded
1992
Embargo end date
Collections
Theses
Show all metadata
Files
Thumbnail Image
PhD Thesis
Adobe PDF, 22.78 MB
Additional title
A fundamental investigation into the mechanics of toothed belts for automotive camshaft drives, and the prediction of belt life in operation
Abstract
A means of predicting synchronous belt life in automotive applications has been developed from theoretical and experimental investigations. Belt life tests have been conducted at 100° C using Gates HTD synchronous belts on 2 power recirculating dynamometers. Initially using 2 identical crankshaft pulleys, incorporating a cylinder head assembly, complete with camshaft pulley, and also using up to 2 idler pulleys, allowed tests to be conducted with other pulley arrangements un·der more representative running conditions. Prior to life testing the limits of synchronous power transmission were experimentally deiined. Torque and belt tension were controlled and recorded throughout the test programme, together with any other observations. A mathematical model for calculating belt tension and tooth load distribution has been developed based upon belt stretch and tooth deflection, assuming all teeth to be in complete mesh. Using the measured values for belt and tooth elasticity, pulley diameter and test conditions, the tooth load for the first and last teeth in complete mesh was calculated. Since belt failure occurred through tooth root cracking, failure was related to the tooth load. This was then used in a program to predict the life for any pulley arrangement using an HTD belt at 100 °c. Belt life sensitivity was examined for a number of belt properties and belt drive parameters. A means of calculating the tooth load for a tooth in incomplete mesh was also put forward based upon an accurate profile and interference description, using elements to calculate the tooth forces.
URI
https://bradscholars.brad.ac.uk/handle/10454/20885
Version
Citation
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Thesis
Qualification name
PhD
Notes