Belt transmissions - V-belts.

Table of Content:

Belt transmissions - V-belts.

The calculation is designed for geometrical and strength designs of belt transmissions using V-belts. The application provides solutions of the following tasks

  1. Calculation for 2 or 3 pulleys.

  2. Automatic design of a transmission with the minimum of input requirements.

  3. Design and calculation of geometrical parameters (diameters of pulleys, axis distances, length of the belt, weight of the transmission)

  4. Calculation of strength parameters (power transferred by the belt, number of belts, efficiency, etc.)

  5. Calculation of force conditions (prestressing, axis loading of the pulleys, etc.)

  6. Support of 2D and 3D CAD systems.

The application works with CAD systems and includes respective models of pulleys and belts. The calculations use procedures, algorithms and data from basic documents and standards ANSI, RMA (Rubber Manufacturers Association), ISO, DIN, BS, and basic documents from catalogues of companies CONTITECH (r) and Gates Rubber Company (r).

List of standards: Narrow V-Belts ANSI/RMA IP-22; Traditional V-Belts ANSI/RMA IP-20; Light Duty V-Belts ANSI/RMA IP-23; DIN 7753; DIN 2211; DIN 2215; ISO 4184

Hint: When selecting a suitable type of transmission the comparative document "Choice of a transmission" may be helpful.

User interface

 User interface.

 

Download

 Download.

 

Purchase, Price list

 Purchase, Price list.
 

Control, structure and syntax of calculations.

Information on the syntax and control of the calculation can be found in the document "Control, structure and syntax of calculations".

Supplements - This calculation:

The calculation is designed for geometrical and strength designs of belt transmissions using V-belts. Both designs are similar to each other, therefore they will be described simultaneously and the differences will be noted in the text. In case of a reference to paragraphs, there will be a reference for a design of 3 pulleys before the slash sign and a design of 2 pulleys after the slash sign, e.g. [1/4].

Information on the project.

Information on the purpose, use and control of the paragraph "Information on the project" can be found in the document  "Information on the project".

Process of calculation.

Typical calculation / design of a transmission using a V-belt consists of the following steps:

  1. Enter power parameters of the transmission (transferred power, speed). [1/4]

  2. Set the mode of loading and operational parameters (type of drive, length of operation, efficiency, etc.). [1/4]

  3. Initiate "Automatic design" of the transmission. [1.10/5.10]

  4. Fine-tune geometric parameters of the transmission "manually". (axis distances, diameters of pulleys and length of the belt) in rows [2.3-2.7/6.3-6.6]

  5. Check power conditions of the transmission. [3/7]

  6. Save the workbook with the designed solution under a new name.

Each change of any parameter means immediate recalculations of the whole transmission; this enables fast evaluation of many alternatives and selection of the optimum design.

Tip1:The Automatic design also selects the type of belt; this helps beginners. Advanced users are advised to select the type of belt manually according to power diagrams, and use the Optimizing process [2.2/6.2].
Tip2:The comparative document "Choices of transmission" can be helpful in selecting a suitable transmission.

Manner of loading, operational parameters. [1/4]

Power and operational parameters of the belt transmission can be entered in this paragraph. Recommended and min./max. ranges of values are given for each parameter. If you wish to design a transmission exceeding the recommended ranges, it is advisable to consult the producer (supplier) of the belts (pulleys).

1.1 Transferred power / power distributed to pulleys. /5.1

Usually it is possible to transfer power from several tenths up to hundreds of kW/HP. The optimum range is from 1 to 100kW / 1.4 to 140HP. More detailed information can be found in power diagrams of V-belts in paragraph [2.1/5.1] or in catalogues of producers.

In case of 3 pulleys, it is also necessary to define the power withdrawn by the third pulley in addition to the power transferred at the input (pulley no. 1). The value of the withdrawn power on the second pulley is then calculated additionally using these two values.

Hint: In case of a design of a belt transmission using three pulleys, whilst one of them is a tightening pulley (zero transferred power), the third pulley should be selected as the tightening pulley and entered as P3=0. (The tightening pulley is usually installed on the relieved part of the belt.)

1.2 Speed of pulleys. /5.2

The speed defines the transmission ratio, which is then used in the calculation. Pulley no. 1 is the driving pulley. The limit values of the maximum speed are defined for individual types of V-belts (lower power -> higher speed and vice versa) and in extreme cases the speed should not exceed a value of 8000 rpm. These values can usually be found in a range from 400 to 3000 rpm of the driving shaft. However, more important is the value of the peripheral speed than the speed itself, see paragraph [3.10/7.10]. More detailed information can be found in power diagrams of V-belts in paragraph [2.1] or in catalogues of producers.

1.3 Transmission ratio. /5.3

It is calculated additionally using the input speed and desired output speed. The value of the transmission ratio should usually not exceed the maximum value i=8, in extreme cases values up to i=15 can be reached.

1.4 Torque. /5.4

The value of the torque is calculated additionally for each pulley using the speed and power.

1.5 Type of driving units (loading). /5.5

Select the manner of loading which best meets the requirements of the entered specifications.

  1. Loading continuous or with a slight unevenness.
    Examples:AC or DC electric motors with normal starting (up to a twofold nominal moment of the motor), e.g. synchronous and single-phase motors with starting at full voltage, with starting star-delta or with resistance starting: DC motors with parallel excitation, internal combustion turbines and turbines with speeds over 600 rpm.
  2. Loading with higher unevenness.
    Examples: AC and DC electric motors with higher loading moments (over two-fold nominal moment of the motor), e.g. single-phase motors with high loading moments, DC motors with series or mixed excitation, internal combustion engines and turbines with speeds up to 600 rpm.

1.6 Types of driven machine (loading). /5.6

Select the manner of loading which best meets the requirements of the entered specifications.

  1. Light shocks.
    Examples: Lathes, drilling machines, grinding machines, light fans, centrifugal and rotary pumps and compressors, belt conveyors, blowers, separators, light screens, machines for grain purification and loading, etc. Max. short-term loading up to 120% of the nominal value.
  2. Medium shocks.
    Examples: Milling machines, gear milling machines, turret drilling machines, printing machines, electric generators, piston pumps and compressors with more than three cylinders, fans and blowers, chain conveyors, elevators, circular saws for wood, transmissions, twisting machines, paper-making machines, food-industry machines, heavy screens, rotary furnaces, high-speed grinders, etc. Slight fluctuations of loading. Max. short-term loading up to 150 of the nominal value.
  3. Heavy shocks.
    Examples: Planing machines, vertical shapers and wood-processing machines, piston pumps and compressors with one or two cylinders, fans and blowers of heavy types, screw and drag conveyors, crushers, eccentric worm presses with relatively heavy flywheels, weaving machines, machines for cleaning cotton, machines for pressing and pelletising fodder, etc. Considerable fluctuations of loading. Max. short-term loading up to 200 % of the nominal value.
  4. Very heavy shocks.
    Examples: Hoisting devices, excavators, dredgers, heavy presses, shears, mechanical hammers, edge mills, pug mills, stone crushers, hammer mills, crushers, sawmill machines, etc. Intermittent and very uneven loading. Max. short-term loading up to 300 % of the nominal value.

1.7 Daily loading of the transmission. /5.7

Here the number of hours of operation of the belt transmission per day can be set.

1.8 Belt slip coefficient. /5.8

A flexible slipping of the belt in the belt groove occurs in case of a belt transmission operated under a load. This slipping depends on the loading of the transmission and increases with growing loading. The slipping is expressed by the "Coefficient of slipping" in % and in case of V-belts, its value is around 1%. The coefficient of slipping does not affect the transmission ratio. The calculated (recommended) theoretical value is given in the green field. If the check mark box is enabled, the calculated (recommended) value is filled in automatically and used in the calculation.

1.9 Transmission efficiency. /5.9

Losses in the transferred power occur, above all, due to friction in belt transmissions. These losses are expressed as efficiency, which increases with growing loading and in case of a usually loaded transmission using a V-belt (two pulleys), it varies between 95 and 97%. However, in case of great differences in diameters of the pulleys (small angle of wrapping, high wear) it may decrease down to 80%. The calculated (recommended) value is given in the green field and enabling of the check mark box means that the calculated (recommended) value is used in the calculation automatically.

1.10 Automatic design - press the button. /5.10

Before initiation of the "Automatic design" enter (select) all parameters in this paragraph [1/4]. When making decisions, use the help and recommendations given with each parameter. The automatic design selects a suitable type of belt on the basis of the transferred power and speed and initiates the "Optimizing process" for this type of belt. Naturally, an automatically designed solution is possible and mostly it is also advisable to "fine-tune" it manually.

Design of geometry and number of belts. [2/5]

The geometry of the belt transmission can be designed in this paragraph. It is possible to choose the type of belt, diameters of pulleys, axis distances and lengths of the belt.

Schematic dimensioned illustration

Illustration of actual dimensions. The driving pulley (including ground plan) is shown in red, the driven pulleys in green

2.1 Recommended type of V-belt. /6.1

The recommended type is selected on the basis of the transferred power and speed. As another guideline for selection of the correct type of belt, power diagrams specifying fields for use of the particular type of the belt may be used. The diagrams 1 and 2 are designed for belts according to ISO (DIN, BS), diagrams 3 and 4 for belts according to ANSI/RMA. The minimum recommended diameter is automatically substituted into the smallest pulley after selection of the belt. Diameters of other pulleys are calculated additionally to obtain the desired speed.

Power characteristics of V-belts.

2.2 V-Belt type / Optimization. /6.2

In the selective list, select the type of V-belt which has to be used (the Automatic design performs the selection itself). The smallest recommended diameter of the pulley is selected automatically and used after selection of the type of the belt. The other two (one) diameter(s) are calculated additionally according to the desired speed.

Optimizing

The optimizing process [2.2/6.2] passes through table diameters of the driving pulley for the selected type of belt, performs a design of the optimum axis distance, calculates additionally all other parameters and tries to find a design with the minimum total weight [2.12/6.12]. The optimizing process can be initiated using the button "Optim".

Tip1:Also try out a type of belt other than the recommended one. For example, try out a narrow V-belt (SPZ,SPA,SPB,SPC / 3V,5V,5VX,8V) instead of a traditional section (A,B,C,D,E / A,AX,B,BX,C,CX,D).
Hint2: In the sheet "Setting" you can toggle between a standard type of belt (standardized values) and a belt from the companies CONTITECH (r) / Gates Rubber Company (r) with higher power parameters.

2.3 Table Pitch diameter (outer) selection. /6.3

Selective lists include calculating diameters of pulleys from the tables. Outer diameters of pulleys (if mentioned) are given in parenthesis.

Warning: The speed is modified in accordance with selection of the second (or third, resp.) pulley.

2.4 Calculating diameter of the pulley. /6.4

This row includes the diameters of pulleys which are used in the calculation. It is possible to enter directly only the diameter of the first pulley. The diameter of the second (third, resp.) pulley is calculated automatically on the basis of the desired Output speed [1.2] and the Coefficient of slipping [1.8]. If you wish to use standardized (table) diameters with all pulleys, proceed as follows:

  1. Select the diameter of the first pulley [2.3] - the diameter of the second (and third) pulley is calculated additionally on the basis of the desired speed.
  2. Select the diameter of the second pulley [2.3] so that it is as close to the calculated value as possible. After the selection, the speed of the second pulley [1.2/5.2] is changed in a corresponding way.
  3. Select the diameter of the third pulley [2.3] so that it is as close to the calculated value as possible. After the selection, the speed of the third pulley [1.2] is changed.
  4. Check whether the speeds of all three pulleys correspond with the entered values. If not, repeat the procedure with other diameters.
Warning: Red numbers indicate incorrect choices of diameters - smaller than recommended minimum diameters.
Hint: In case you need to change or complete the standardized (table) values of diameters of the pulleys, change values in the corresponding tables in the tab "Tables".

2.5 Recommended axis distance. /6.5

The rows indicate the minimum (constructional aspect) and maximum (recommendation) values of axis distances between the pulleys. These pieces of information, together with the optimum axis distance, are given in row [6.4] for purposes of calculation of the transmission.

2.6 Axis distance between pulleys (C12, C23, C31). /6.5

In the row enter the desired axis distances between the pulleys. Each change in axis distance is checked and if you enter an incorrect value, the remaining axis distances are modified automatically.
The enabled (activated) check mark box means that the marked axis distance will be locked for any change (if possible, constructionally) in case of modifications to axis distances with calculations to obtain the table length of the belt [2.7]. The unmarked axis distance will be changed with the recalculation.

2.7 Length of the belt - Calculated/Min./Standardized. /6.6

The actual working length of the belt can be found in the first column. The second column includes the minimum possible length (for the given diameters and minimum axis distances). The third column provides a selective list with standardized (table) lengths of the belt (inner length and in parenthesis, the calculating length). After selection of a suitable length of belt, the marked axis distances [2.6] are changed iterationally to obtain the desired length of belt. The button "R" to the right of the selective list repeats iteration for the actual selected length of the belt.

2.8 The angle between the pulleys (a1, a2, a3).

This is the angle formed by straight lines running through centres of the pulleys - see the illustration.

2.9 The angle of wrapping of the pulley (b1, b2, b3). /6.7

It is an important parameter on which the power transferred by one belt is substantially dependent. The angle should not be smaller than 90° in case of pulleys which transfer some power.

2.10 Power transferred by one belt to a pulley. /6.8

It is the real power which the given belt is able to transfer to the pulley under the given conditions (constructional arrangement, loading mode, and operational parameters). Basic power parameters of the belt can be obtained from power tables (ISO, DIN, BS, CONTITECH (r)) or from power formulas (ANSI/RMA and Gates Rubber Company (r)) using interpolation.

Hint: Basic power documents for standard belts or belts CONTITECH (r) / Gates Rubber Company (r) can be toggled in the sheet "Setting".

2.11 Calculated (exact) number of belts. /6.9

This gives the exact number of belts necessary to transfer the desired power for the given pulley.

Hint: Often it is possible to reduce the number of necessary belts using a small change in some parameter (length of the belt, some axis distances). In case of such changes, it is then advisable to follow just these exact values of the number of belts.

2.12 Necessary number of belts / approximate weight. /6.10

The necessary number of belts is the highest value from the previous row rounded to the nearest higher integer. The number of belts should not be higher than 10 under standard conditions.

The approximate weight is the sum of the weight of pulleys and belts of the actual transmission. The weight of the pulleys is calculated approximately according to the illustration. Cast iron is considered as the default material. Despite the fact that the weight cannot be exactly the same as the final weight of the pulleys, it is a good optimizing parameter which should be taken into account in the design.

Results, coefficients. [3/7]

Some coefficients used for the calculation can be found in this paragraph. Above all, this paragraph includes force conditions acting on the pulley.

3.1 Coefficients. /7.1

These coefficients affect the power transferred by one belt.

Hint: Meanings of individual coefficients can be found in specialized literature

3.5 Axis distance adjustability. /7.5

The axis of one of the pulleys of the designed belt transmission must be adjustable. Row [3.6, 3.7] provides minimum values for each pulley, namely values for tension of the belt (parameter x) and for installation of the belt (parameter y). The shift is calculated for the axis halving the angle formed by the strips of the belt on the given pulley.

3.9 Coefficient of safety. /7.9

As the belt transmissions show the highest mechanical efficiency at full loading and in the course of operation, the value of the prestressing decreases (unless constructionally secured otherwise), this calculation implements this coefficient of safety, which increases values of prestressing of the belt. The recommended value of this coefficient is between 1.1 and 1.3 and is given in the green field. If the check mark box is enabled, the recommended value is substituted automatically.

3.10 Belt speed / max. for the given type. /7.10

The peripheral speed of the belt is another important parameter of the belt transmission. The optimum peripheral speed for V-belts is about 25 [m/s] / 5000[ft/min]. The maximum speed varies for various types (producers) of V-belts and is given in the green field.

3.11 Bending frequency of the belt. /7.11

It is dependent on the type of belt. Detailed information can be found in the producer's catalogue. Maximum values can be found in a range from 50 to 100 [/s].

3.12 Tensile force. /7.12

It is a basic force derived from the transferred power and the speed of the belt.

3.13 Centrifugal force. /7.13

The component of centrifugal force is applied only at higher speeds of the belt (approx. at 20 [m/s] / 4000 [ft/min]).

3.14 Prestressing of the belt. /7.14

"Prestressing" of the belt, which provides sufficient friction forces and is needed for transfer of the desired power, is necessary for correct functioning of the belt transmission.

3.15 Static force on the shaft (at rest). /7.15

The force which acts on the shaft at rest.

3.16, 3.17 Force in the loaded/unloaded belt strand. /7.16, 7.17

These are the forces which act in operation in the loaded (and relieved resp.) parts of the belt.

3.18 Total radial force on the shaft (bearings).

This force acts in operation on the shaft of each pulley. It needs to be known for dimensioning of shafts, bearings and other constructional elements of the belt transmission.

Pulley and belt dimensions. [4/8]

This paragraph provides dimensions of the selected belt and dimensions of each pulley. These dimensions are used for 2D drawings and 3D models. Tolerances of dimensions and other supplementary information can be found in the respective standard or in the producer's catalogue.

Check of belt tension.

After installation and tensioning of the belt (ensured using axis adjustability of one of the pulleys or a tension pulley) it is necessary to perform a check of tension of the belt. As producers of belts use various procedures and also deliver instruments for checks of tension of the belt, customers interested in purchasing these instruments are referred to company catalogues and procedures.

Graphic output, CAD systems.

Information on options of 2D and 3D graphic outputs and information on cooperation with 2D and 3D CAD systems can be found in the document "Graphic output, CAD systems".

Supplements - This calculation:

As this workbook includes two types of calculations (for 2 or 3 pulleys), the following switches extend the standard options for creation of 2D drawings.

9.3 Use data from the calculation:.

In the selective list, select whether to use, for creation of a 2D drawing (3D model), the dimensional data from the calculation of 3 pulleys or 2 pulleys.

Hint: The switch sets automatically the use of the majority of service elements in the respective calculation (selective lists, pushbuttons).

9.4 Detail:.

In the selective list, select the pulley which has to be drawn in a detailed view.

Angle a

The angle sets angular rotation of the drawing of the set of pulleys in relation to the horizontal axis (illustration - see the pushbutton).

Setting calculations, change the language.

Information on setting of calculation parameters and setting of the language can be found in the document "Setting calculations, change the language".

1.2 Database of V-belts.

Selection of a database of V-belts changes the respective power parameters of the belts. There are available:

Workbook modifications (calculation).

General information on how to modify and extend calculation workbooks is mentioned in the document "Workbook (calculation) modifications".

Supplements - This calculation:

The whole series of parameters depends on specifications of the particular producer of the respective V-belt. In fact, it is therefore possible to change in this calculation any parameter (diameters of pulleys, lengths of belts, power tables, power formulas) in tables defining dimensions and properties of the belts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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