Session 3

Lecture notes Design of Transmission System

3.1 The V-belts
The V-belts are made of fabric and cords moulded in rubber and covered with fabric and
rubber as shown in Fig.1.2 (a). These belts are moulded to a trapezoidal shape and are made
endless. These are particularly suitable for short drives. The included angle for the V-belt is
usually from 30 to 40. The power is transmitted by the *wedging

Fig.1.2 (a).
Types of V-belts and Pulleys
According to Indian Standards (IS: 2494 1974),
The V-belts are made in five types i.e. A, B, C, D and E.
The pulleys for V-belts may be made of cast iron or pressed steel in order to reduce
weight
Advantages and Disadvantages of V-belt Drive over Flat Belt Drive
Following are the advantages and disadvantages of the V-belt drive over flat belt drive:
Advantages
1. The V-belt drive gives compactness due to the small distance between centres of pulleys.
2. The drive is positive, because the slip between the belt and the pulley groove is negligible.
3. Since the V-belts are made endless and there is no joint trouble, therefore the drive is
smooth.
4. It provides longer life, 3 to 5 years.
5. It can be easily installed and removed.
6. The operation of the belt and pulley is quiet.
7. The belts have the ability to cushion the shock when machines are started.
Prepared byMr.M.Subramanian ASP, & Mr. B.Charles, AP, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Adithya Institute of Technology

Session 3
Lecture notes Design of Transmission System
8. The high velocity ratio (maximum 10) may be obtained.
9. The wedging action of the belt in the groove gives high value of limiting *ratio of tensions.
Therefore 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. Since the V-belts are subjected to certain amount of creep, therefore these are not suitable
for constant speed applications such as synchronous machines and timing devices.
5. The belt life is greatly influenced with temperature changes, improper belt tension and
mismatching of belt lengths.
6. The centrifugal tension prevents the use of V-belts at speeds below 5 m/ s and above 50 m /
s.

Selection of V-Belts -Design Procedure

1. Select

the

section

of

belt

depending

on

the

power

to

be

transmitted

(DB.P.No.7.58)
2. Select small pulley diameter from table and also determine the larger pulley
diameter and standardize the value with R20 series. (7.54)
3. Select center distance C ,if not given. From table. (7.61)
4. Determine nominal pitch length of the belt using equation

(length of belt )

(7.58,7.59,7.60)
5. V-belts are designated by the cross-section and nominal inside length.
6. Standard inside length of belts are given in the table.

Prepared byMr.M.Subramanian ASP, & Mr. B.Charles, AP, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Adithya Institute of Technology

Session 3
Lecture notes Design of Transmission System
7. For calculating design power , modifying factors will have to be determined.
Correction factor for length (Fc ) can get from the table for the calculated nominal
inside length of belt. (7.58,7.59,7.60)
8. Determine wrap angle for smaller pulley and obtain

correction factor for arc of

contact (Fd) from the table. (7.68)

9. Select service factor ( Fa) from the table.(7.69)
10. Calculate the maximum power capacity of a v-belt from the given formula in table.
(7.62)
11. Determiation of no. of belts using the formula in data book (7.70)
12. Calcultion of actual center distance by using the formula given in data book (7.61)

Two Marks
1. What is belt rating? [April/May 2007]
Flat-belts are made of different sizes such as 3 ply, 4 ply and V - belts are made of
different grades such as A, B, C, D and E grade belts. Belt rating is defined as the power
transmitting capacity of unit size flat belt or a particular grade single V belt.
2. Give the relationship of ratio of tensions in a V-belt drive.
T1/T2 = e .cosec
3. State the materials for belts
a.
b.
c.
d.

Leather
cotton
fabrics
rubber

e.
f.
g.
h.

animal's hair
silk
rayon
woolen etc

i.

Prepared byMr.M.Subramanian ASP, & Mr. B.Charles, AP, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Adithya Institute of Technology

j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
o.
p.
q.
r.

16 Marks
s.
t. Problem :- A 30 kW ,1440 rpm motor is to drive a compressor by means of vbelts.The diameter of pulleys are 220 mm and 750 mm ; The center distance
between the compressor and motor is 1440mm. Design a suitable drive [APRIL
1997]
u.
v. Hints of Answer
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Selection of V-belts ( DDB P.No. 7.58)

Calculation of nominal pitch length ( DDB P.No. 7.60)
Calculation of the design power ( DDB P.No. 7.62)
Finding the no. of belts ( DDB P.No. 7.70)
Calculation of new center distance ( DDB P.No. 7.61)
Calculation of T1 and T2 ( by using std. formula)
Calculation of stress T =(T1 + Tc ) = stress x area of belt

w.
x. Quiz
1. A V belt designated by A 914 50 denotes
y. a) A standard belt

b) anundersize belt

c) an oversize belt

2. Slip is the result of

z. a) Insufficient friction between the belt and the pulley

b) Elongation of belt due

to T
aa. C) None of the abovec) Unequal elongation of belt due to T and T
3. By increasing the centre distance the ratio of tension in an open belt drive is
ab. a) Not affected

b) none of the above c) decreased d) increased

4. Power transmission in a V belt drive can be increased by increasing the

ac. a) No of belt b) groove angle

c) initial tension

d)velocity

5. In case of a belt drive the maximum power is transmitted if the value of centrifugal
tension is
ad. a) 1/3 tension T1 on tight side

b) 1/3 tension Tson slack side

ae. C) 1/3 total tensions Tt on tight side

d) 1/3 tension Ts on slack side

af. Application

ag.

ah. Lathe Machine