Length variation of toothed belt during exploitation

Abstract

Timing belt drives are a relatively new concept in power transmission, accepted nowadays in all areas of industry. Teeth, equally spaced on the inner side of timing belts, come into contact with the belt pulley's teeth through their grooves. By this meshing, a connection between the belt and the belt pulley is achieved and torque is transmitted. This paper reviews basic tribomechanical systems in timing belt drives, focusing on the analysis of the tribomechanical system "belt's teeth - belt pulley's teeth". In addition, analysis of pitch variation and belt's length variation during testing is conducted. Friction is the main cause of wear of the flanks of the belt's teeth, which leads to an increase of pitch. Testing of the timing belt was conducted on a specially designed test bench and showed that the belt's elongation is especially distinct in a period of running in. ©2011 Journal of Mechanical Engineering. All rights reserved.