1

What are the advantages and disadvantages of belts compared to other forms

JEFERSON SABIO | BSCE 3A | CE314

of power transmission?

PROS
one
Due to the flexible nature of the belt’s material, pulleys
can be arranged to rotate in different planes and
rotate in opposite directions.

Power transmission belts are not lubricated and maintenance is minimal.

Manufacturing of belts and pulleys are less expensive.

Operation is smooth and silent.

CONS
The endless loop belts cannot be repaired when broken, and has to be
replaced.

Changes in the load or tension may cause slippage.

They cannot operate in extreme situations since the material is sensitive
to temperature and the moisture reduces the contact surface friction
causing slippage.

The length of the belt drives cannot be adjusted.

2
Give several applications for each type of belt

FLAT BELTS
two

Historically, flat belts were often used for transmission of power from
flywheels to other parts of machinery. Today, they are commonly seen
in use as conveyor belts or parts of belt arrays, where the flat surface
makes it easy to move products along the top of the belt.

ROUND BELTS
Round-belt drives are now rare and are used only in mechanisms of
low power, such as those in sewing machines.

V-BELTS
V-belt drives are extensively used in industrial and pump applications.

SYNCHRONOUS
BELTS
Synchronous belts can be used for applications such as automatic
machinery where a definite motion sequence or indexing is necessary.
 3
What is alignment and why is it very important in belt drive? Name and
describe the types of misalignment.

three
ALIGNMEN
Alignment in a belt drive system is the arrangement of pulleys or the T
SSIGNMENT shafts on which the pulleys are mounted.

IMPORTANCE
Proper alignment is important to achieve maximum and effective power
transmission. When this is not managed well, misalignment may occur. It
is a condition when pulleys or their shafts are not arranged properly
which could reduce belt performance by increasing wear and fatigue. This
puts undue stress on the belt and may cause it to tear. There are two types
of misalignment: Angular and Parallel

ANGULAR
misalignment results in
accelerated belt/sheave wear
and potential stability
problems with individual V-
belts. This occurs when
pulleys become “tilted”
because their shafts are not
parallel.
PARALLEL
Misalignment also results in
accelerated belt/sheave wear
and potential stability
problems with individual
belts. This occurs when
pulley is “out of plane” with
the other pulleys in the drive
system.

4
What is belt tension and why is it important?
BELT four
TENSION
Belt tension is an internal pulling force that is directed away from the belt
and attempts to stretch or elongate itself. It is determined by measuring
the force to deflect the belt a given distance per inch of pulley.

IMPORTANCE
This is important to prevent slippage which can lead to spin burns, cover
wear, overheating of the belt, and possibly overheating of bearings.

resources
https://www.plantengineering.com/articles/basics-of-belt-drives/
https://www.toolingu.com/class/440150/belt-drive-applications-241
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/belt-tension
https://learnmech.com/mechanical-drives-belt-chain-gear/
https://www.knowyourparts.com/technical-resources/engine/serpentine-belt-alignment/