F T ra n sf o F T ra n sf o

PD rm PD rm
Y Y
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V belt design

-V-belts are mostly used in 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 V-belts are made of fabric and cords moulded in rubber and covered with fabric and rubber.
These belts are moulded to a trapezoidal shape and are made endless. These are particularly
suitable for short drives.
-The power is transmitted by the wedging action between the belt and the V-groove in the pulley
or sheave. A clearance must be provided at the bottom of the groove, in order to prevent
touching of the bottom as it becomes narrower from wear.
-It may be noted that in multiple V-belt drive (upto 20), all the belts should stretch at the same
rate so that the load is equally divided between them. When one of the set of belts breaks, the
entire set should be replaced at the same time. If only one belt is replaced, the new unworn and
unstretched belt will be more tightly stretched and will move with different velocity.
The wedging action of the V-belt in the groove of the pulley results in higher forces of friction.
A little consideration will show that the wedging action and the transmitted torque will be more
if the groove angle of the pulley is small. But a small groove angle will require more force to pull
the belt out of the groove which will result in loss of power and excessive belt wear due to
friction and heat. Hence the selected belt v-angle is a compromise between the two. All v-
belts have a 40° angle between the faces. The groove angle for the pulley is from 34° to 38°. This
 F T ra n sf o F T ra n sf o
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results in wedging action between the belt and the groove, thereby increasing the frictional force,
and consequently the transmitted power.
-Pitch Length (Lp): The pitch length is defined as the circumferential length of the belt at the
pitch width (i.e. the width at the neutral axis) of the belt. The value of the pitch width remains
constant for each type of belt irrespective of the groove angle. The manufacturers and the
Bureau of Indian Standards have standardised the dimensions of the cross-section. There are six
basic symbols— Z, A, B, C, D and E—for the cross-section of V belts. Z-section belts are
occasionally used for low power transmission and small pulley diameters, while A, B, C, D and
E section belts are widely used as general purpose belts. V-belts are designated by the symbol of
cross-section followed by nominal pitch length along with symbol Lp., e.g., a V-belt of cross-
section B and with pitch length 4430 mm is designated as B 4430Lp.
V-Belt construction
V-belts are made of cotton fabric, cords and rubber.
1. Flexible section consisting of several layers fabric carrying the tension due to bending.
2. One layer of load carrying cord.
3. The bottom rubber of compression section subjected to compression during bending. It
support the tensile section and transmit pressure from tensile section to pulley.
4. The cushion section keep the cord bonded between top tensile and bottom compression
sections and also absorb some of shock of varying load.
5. The cover is made of rubberized fabric.

V-GROOVED PULLEY
The pulleys for V-belts may be made of grey cast iron (FG 250) or pressed steel in order to
reduce weight. For special applications, the pulleys may be made from aluminum. Cast iron
pulleys are generally limited to 32.5 m/s rim speed. For speeds upto 50 m/s aluminum, steel, and
ductile iron pulleys (ASTM A536) are used.
The losses in V-belt drives are comparatively more than those of in at belt drives, because of
increased internal friction on the pulleys. For medium service conditions, the ef ciency of at-
belt drives is 96% while the ef ciency of V-belt is 95%.
Advantages and Disadvantages of V-belt Drive over Flat Belt Drive
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Advantages
1. The V-belt drive gives compactness due to the small distance between centres of pulleys.
2. The slip between the belt and the pulley groove is negligible.
3. Since the V-belts are made endless, therefore the drive is quiet.
4. It provides longer life, 3 to 5 years.
5. It can be easily installed and removed.
8. The high velocity ratio (maximum 10) may be obtained.
9. 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.
10. 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
1. The V-belt drive can not be used with large centre distances, because of larger weight per unit
length. 2. The V-belts are not so durable as flat belts.
3. The construction of pulleys for V-belts is more complicated than pulleys of flat belts.
4. The centrifugal tension prevents the use of V-belts at speeds below 5 m/s and above 50 m /s.
V-Ribbed belt

It operates from contact between the ribs of the belt and the grooves in the pulley. The traction is
provided by the friction between the ribs and the sheave grooves rather than the wedging action
as in conventional v belt. V-ribbed Belts combine the high transmission characteristics of V
Belts, the flexibility of flat belts, and compact system. The V-shaped parallel ribs are made from
a wear-resistant rubber compound. The ribbed belt is a power transmission belt with longitudinal
grooves. These align with corresponding ribs and grooves on the pulley, greatly increasing the
contact surface. V- ribbed belts have low friction losses and bearing load.
 F T ra n sf o F T ra n sf o
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 F T ra n sf o F T ra n sf o
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 F T ra n sf o F T ra n sf o
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A B B Y Y.c A B B Y Y.c
 F T ra n sf o F T ra n sf o
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 F T ra n sf o F T ra n sf o
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A B B Y Y.c A B B Y Y.c
 F T ra n sf o F T ra n sf o
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A B B Y Y.c A B B Y Y.c
 F T ra n sf o F T ra n sf o
PD rm PD rm
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A B B Y Y.c A B B Y Y.c
 F T ra n sf o F T ra n sf o
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 F T ra n sf o F T ra n sf o
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D-16: It is required to design a V-belt drive to connect a 7.5 kW, 1440 rpm induction motor to a
fan running at approximately 480 rpm for a service of 24 hrs/day. Space is available for a centre
distance of about 1 m.
Solution: Given P= 7.5 kW, n1 =1440 rpm, n2 = 480 rpm, Capp = 1000 mm, Ks = 1.3 (T11.3)
 F T ra n sf o F T ra n sf o
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1. Design power
Pdesign = K s*7.5 =9.75 kW
2. Selection of belt number
From table 11.1, B type belt is selected for design power
3. Velocity ratio = n 1/n2 =3
4. pulley diameters
d = 200 mm (T11.1)
D = d*VR = 600 mm
5. Belt length
L =2C+ (D+d)/2+(D-d)2/4C = 3296 mm
From table 11.10 standard length close to 3296 is 3294 mm
6. Exact center distance
C = A + (A2 – B)
A = L/4 – 3.14(D+d)/8 =509.5 mm
B = (D-d)2/8 = 20000 mm
C=998.9 mm
7. No of belts
-1
S=180 - 2sin (D-d)/2C=156.9
Arc of contact factor Ka = 0.94 (T 11.5)
de =d*Kd =1.14*200 =228 mm (T11.2)
Belt speed v= 3.14*d*n1/60000 now v= 15 m/s
From table 11.13 rating power for section B at v= 15 m/s and equivalent pulley diameter
228 mm is 4.63 kW
Number of belts = P*Ks/kW*KL*Ka (equation 11.4)
Correction factor for belt length KL= 1.08 (T 11.4)
Service factor Ks = 1.3
So number of belts = 2.07 say 3
D-15: it is required to select a V belt drive to connect 18 kW, 2900 rpm normal torque A.C.
motor to a centrifugal pump, running at approximately 2500 rpm, for a service of 18 hours per
day. Assume that the pitch diameter of the driving pulley is 120 mm and approximate center
distance 410 mm.
Solution: Given P= 18 kW, n1 =2900 rpm, n2 = 2500 rpm, d = 120 mm, C app = 410 mm, Ks = 1.3
(T11.3)
1. Design power
Pdesign = K s*18 =23.4 kW
2. Selection of belt number
From table 11.1, C type belt is selected for design power
3. larger pulley diameter
Velocity ratio = n 1/n2 =2900/2500 =1.16
D = d*VR = 139.2 mm
4. Belt length
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L =2C+ (D+d)/2+(D-d)2/4C = 1227.1 mm

From table 11.10 standard length close to 1227.1 is 1351 mm
5. Exact center distance
C = A + (A2 – B)
A = L/4 – 3.14(D+d)/8 = 236 mm
B = (D-d)2/8 = 46.08 mm
C=471.9 mm
6. No of belts
-1
S=180 - 2sin (D-d)/2C=177.3
Arc of contact factor Ka = 0.99 (T 11.5)
de =d*Kd =1.05*120 =126 mm (T13.2)
Belt speed v= 3.14*d*n1/60000 now v= 18.2 m/s
From table 11.13 rating power for section C at v= 18.2 m/s and equivalent pulley
diameter 126 mm is 4.78 kW
Number of belts = P*Ks/kW*KL*Ka (equation 11.4)
Correction factor for belt length KL= 0.8 (T 11.4)
Service factor Ks = 1.3
So number of belts = 6.1 say 7
D-14: Design a V-belt drive from an electric motor to the flywheel of a forging press from the
following data: Motor power = 80 kW, during operation the motor is overloaded the overload
factor being 1.5. Rated speed of motor is 730 rev/min and of the flywheel 300 rev/min, the
flywheel with diameter of 1500 mm is preferably used as a driven pulley. The distance between
the axles of the flywheel and the motor pulley can be about 1650 mm.
Solution: Given P= 80 kW, n1 =730 rpm, n2 =300, D = 1500 mm, v= 3.14*1500*300/60000 =
23.5 m/s Capp = 1650 mm, Ks = 1.5
1. Design power
Pdesign = K s*80 =120 kW
2. Selection of belt number
From table 11.1, D type belt is selected for design power
3. Smaller pulley diameter
Velocity ratio = n 1/n2 =730/300 =2.43
Minimum pulley diameter for D type belt from table 11.9 is 500 mm
d = D/VR = 617.28 mm
4. Belt length
L =2C+ (D+d)/2+(D-d)2/4C =6742.1 mm
From table 11.10 standard length close to 6747 is 6886 mm
5. Exact center distance
C = A + (A2 – B)
A = L/4 – 3.14(D+d)/8 =890.4 mm
B = (D-d)2/8 =97399.3 mm
C=1724.4 mm
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6. No of belts
-1
S=180 - 2sin (D-d)/2C=148.9
de =1.13*320 = 361 mm
Belt speed v= 3.14*d*n1/60000 now v= 23.5 m/s
From table 11.13 rating power for section D at v= 23.5 m/s and pulley diameter 361 mm
is 16.40 kW
Number of belts = P*Ks/kW*KL*Ka (equation 11.4)
Correction factor for belt length KL= 1.03 (T 11.4)
Arc of contact factor Ka = 0.92 (T 11.5)
Service factor Ks = 1.5
So number of belts = 7.2 say 8
D-12: A V-belt drive is to transmit 14.7 kW to a compressor. The motor speed is 1200 rpm and
the compressor pulley runs at 400 rpm. Determine the size and number of belts required.
Solution: Given P= 14.7 kW, n1 =1200 rpm, n2 =400
1. Design power
Pdesign = 1.2*14.7 =17.64 kW( load factor from table 11.3)
2. Selection of belt number
From table 11.1, C type belt is selected for design power
3. Pulley diameters
Minimum pulley diameter for C type belt from table 11.9 is 300 mm
Diameter of larger pulley
Velocity ratio = n 1/n2 =1200/400 =3
D= VR*d= 3*300 =900 mm
4. Selection of center distance
Cmax =3(D+d) =3600 mm
Cmin =D = 900 mm
Use C =3000 mm
5. Belt length
L =2C+ (D+d)/2+(D-d)2/4C =7914 mm
From table 11.10 standard length close to 7914 is 8387 mm
6. Exact center distance
C = A + (A2 – B)
A = L/4 – 3.14(D+d)/8 =1625.7 mm
B = (D-d)2/8 =45000 mm
C=3237.6 mm
7. No of belts
-1
S=180 - 2sin (D-d)/2C=180-11.6 = 168.5
Correction factor for belt length KL= 1.19 (T 11.4)
de =Kd*300 =342 mm,
Belt speed v= 3.14*d*n1/60000 now v= 18.8 m/s
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From table 11.13 rating power for section C at v= 18.8 m/s and pulley diameter 342 mm
is 10.51 kW
Number of belts = P*Ks/kW*KL*Ka (equation 11.4)
Arc of contact factor Ka = 0.97 (T 11.5)
Service factor Ks = 1.2 (T 11.3), So number of belts = 1.4 say 2
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