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Belt Drivers
• The power transmitted by a belt drive is a
function of the belt tensions and belt speed.
• Power = (T1-T2)v\550 in horsepower
• where T1 = belt tension in tight side, Ib
• T2 - belt tension in loose side, Ib
• v = belt speed, ft/'sec.

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• The following formula for determining the stress,
Ϭ2 psi, for flat belts applies when the thickness of
the belt is given but the width is unknown.

• Where Ϭ1= maximum allowable stress, psi

• Ϭ2 = stress in loose side of belt, psi
• W= weight of 1 ft of belt 1 in2 in cross section
• v= belt velocity, ft/sec
• g =acceleration due to gravity, 32.2 ft/sec2
• ϝ = coefficient of friction between belt and pulley
• α = angle of wrap of belt on pulley, radians.

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The required cross section area of the belt for the case
of the width unknown may be determined by

• The required belt width b is therefore b =

area/thickness. The value of (T1— T2) may be
determined from the horsepower requirement.

• hp = (T1- T2)v/550.

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This formula for value T2 flat or V-belts

ϝ = coefficient of friction
α = angle of warp and measured by radians
𝜽 = groove angle for the V- belt and equal
180 for a flat belt.
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EX: A fan is driven by a belt from a motor which runs at 880 rpm. A medium double ply
leather belt 5/16 in. thick and 10 in. wide is used. The diameters of the motor pulley and
driven pulley are respectively 14 in. and 54 in. The center distance is 54 in., and both
pulleys are made of cast iron. Coefficient of friction of leather on cast iron is 0.35. The
allowable stress for the belt is 350 psi, which allows for the factor of safety and also for
the fact that a double ply belt does not have double the capacity of a single ply belt. (A
double ply belt has approximately 85% the capacity of a single ply belt of the same
thickness.) The belt weighs 0.035 lb/in3. What is the horse power capacity of the belt?

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