Engineering Dynamics Lab Report

Experiment No. 11
“To determine Coefficient of Friction of Flat Belt”

1. Objective:
i. To study the working of Flat Belt.
ii. To find the Coefficient of Friction of Flat Belt.

2. Apparatus:
i. Belt and Pulley Apparatus
ii. Spring Balance
iii. Flat Belt
iv. Hangers
v. Weights

3. Introduction:
In this experiment, we will learn the construction, working and uses of Flat Belt, its applications
in everyday life and the method to find its Coefficient of Friction etc. We will also learn different
types of belts and pulleys and the selection of material for their making.

4. Theory:
4.1 Belts:
“A belt is a loop of flexible material used to link two or more rotating shafts mechanically, most
often parallel. Belts may be used as a source of motion, to transmit power efficiently or to track
relative movement. Belts are looped over pulleys and may have a twist between the pulleys, and
the shafts need not be parallel.”
In a two pulley system, the belt can either drive the pulleys normally in one direction (the same if
on parallel shafts), or the belt may be crossed, so that the direction of the driven shaft is reversed
(the opposite direction to the driver if on parallel shafts). [1]

4.2 Types of Belts:

There are following types of Belts:
i. Flat Belt
ii. Round Belts
iii. V Belts
iv. Multi Groove Belts
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v. Ribbed Belts
vi. Film Belts
vii. Timing Belts

4.2.1 Flat Belts:

“Flat belts are designed for light-duty power transmission and high-performance conveying.
They are best-suited for applications with smaller pulleys and large central distances. Flat belts
can connect inside and outside pulleys and can come in both endless and jointed construction.
They have a high power transmission efficiency, are cost effective, and are easy to use and
install.” [2]

Figure 1: Flat Belt [3]

4.2.1.1 Advantages of Flat Belts:

The small bending cross-section of the flat belt causes little bending loss. The frictional
engagement on the pulley outer surface requires only a small cross-section and makes flat belts
very flexible, resulting in negligible energy loss. A flat belt does not require grooves, minimizing
the energy loss and wear from the belt wedging in and pulling out from the grooves. Additional
benefits of flat belts include energy savings, a long service life of belts and pulleys, less down
time and high productivity, and low noise generation from a smooth belt operation. Flat belts
can be installed simply and securely. Belts are tensioned to the calculated initial tension by
means of simple measuring marks to be applied to the belt. There is a constant tension on the belt
so the belt will not need to be re-tensioned.

4.2.1.2 Disadvantages of Flat Belts:

A disadvantage of flat belts is their reliance on belt tension to produce frictional grip over
pulleys. This high belt tension required to transmit power often shortens bearing life. Another
disadvantage is their failure to track properly since they tend to climb towards the higher side of
the pulley, which is why V-belts have grown in popularity.
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4.2.1.3 Applications of Flat Belt:

They are used in
i. Countless Farming
ii. Mining
iii. Logging applications such as
 Bucksaws
 Sawmills
 Threshers
 Silo blowers
 Conveyors for filling corn cribs or haylofts
 Balers
 Water pumps (for wells, mines, or swampy farm fields)
 Electrical generators.

4.2.2 Round Belts:

“Round belts are a circular cross section belt designed to run in a pulley with a 60-degree V-
groove.”
Round grooves are only suitable for idler pulleys that guide the belt, or when (soft) O-ring type
belts are used. The V-groove transmits torque through a wedging action, thus increasing friction.
Round belts are generally made of rubber. This type of belt is generally used for light loads, such
as in a sewing machine or a vacuum cleaner. [4]

Figure 2: Round Belts [5]

4.2.3 V Belts:
John Gates (of the Gates Rubber Company) had presented first Patent for the V-Belt in 1917.
This had resolved many of the issues encountered with Flat Belts. The cross-section (shape) of
the V-Belts is somewhat trapezoidal. They have tapered sides resembling the letter ‘V’, hence
acquiring the name – V-Belts. The Pulleys also have tapered sides forming a ‘V’-groove in
 Engineering Dynamics Lab Report

which the belt sits. By virtue of this shape the V-Belt does not get much possibility to slide away
from the Pulleys. Thus the shapes of the Pulleys are adopted to the shapes of the Belt and the
drive transmits power via the wedging action. Have a look at the following figure – Fig. 3

Figure 3: V Belts [6]

Since V-Belts transmit power through their tapered sides, the shape of the Pulley groove and
how the belt fits into this groove is important. The tapered part of the Pulley is called Sheave.
The following figure – Fig. 3 shows correct position of V-Belt sitting in Pulley groove. The Belt
slides into the groove until it rides on the bottom of the groove if its walls are worn out (which is
generally unevenly) or if the Belt is damaged. This phenomenon reduces the friction and
ultimately the belt may slip. [7]

4.2.4 Multi Groove Belts:

A multi-groove, V-Ribbed, or polygroove belt is made up of usually between 3 and 24 "V"
shaped
sections alongside each other. This gives a thinner belt for the same drive surface, thus it is more
flexible, although often wider. The added flexibility offers an improved efficiency, as less energy
is wasted in the internal friction of continually bending the belt. In practice this gain of efficiency
causes a reduced heating effect on the belt, and a cooler-running belt lasts longer in service. Belts
are commercially available in several sizes, with usually a 'P' (sometimes omitted) and a single
letter identifying the pitch between grooves. The 'PK' section with a pitch of 3.56 mm is
commonly
used for automotive applications. [8]
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Figure 4: Multi Groove Belt [9]

4.2.5 Ribbed Belts:

“A ribbed belt is a power transmission belt featuring lengthwise grooves. It operates from
contact between the ribs of the belt and the grooves in the pulley.”
Its single-piece structure is reported to offer an even distribution of tension across the width of
the pulley where the belt is in contact, a power ranges up to 600 kW, a high speed ratio,
serpentine drives (possibility to drive off the back of the belt), long life, stability and
homogeneity of the drive tension, and reduced vibration.
The ribbed belt may be fitted on various applications: compressors, fitness bikes, agricultural
machinery, food mixers, washing machines, lawn mowers, etc. [10]

Figure 5: Ripped Belt [11]

4.2.6 Film Belts:

Though often grouped with flat belts, they are actually a different kind. They consist of a very
thin
belt (0.5–15 millimeters or 100–4000 micrometers) strip of plastic and occasionally rubber. They
 Engineering Dynamics Lab Report

are generally intended for low-power (less than 10 watts), high-speed uses, allowing high
efficiency (up to 98%) and long life. These are seen in business machines, printers, tape
recorders,
and other light-duty operations. [12]

Figure 6: Film Belts [13]

4.2.7 Timing Belts:

Timing belts (also known as toothed, notch, cog, or synchronous belts) are a positive transfer
belt and can track relative movement. These belts have teeth that fit into a matching toothed
pulley.
They are often used in lieu of chains or gears, so there is less noise and a lubrication bath is not
necessary. Camshafts of automobiles, miniature timing systems, and stepper motors often utilize
these belts. Timing belts need the least tension of all belts, and are among the most efficient. [14]

Figure 7: Timing Belts[15]

4.3 Types of Belt Drives:

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In a two pulley system, depending upon the direction the belt drives the pulley, the belt drives
are divided into two types. They are Open belt drive and Crossed belt drive. The two types of
belt drives are discussed below in brief.

4.3.1 Open Belt Drive:

“An Open Belt Drive is used to rotate the driven pulley in the same direction of driving pulley.”

In the motion of belt drive, power transmission results make one side of pulley more
tightened compared to the other side. In horizontal drives, tightened side is always kept on
the lower side of two pulleys because the sag of the upper side slightly increases the angle
of folding of the belt on the two pulleys. [16]

Figure 8: Open Belt Drive [17]

4.3.2 Crossed Belt Drive:

“A Crossed Belt Drive is used to rotate driven pulley in the opposite direction of driving pulley.”

Higher the value of wrap enables more power can be transmitted than an open belt drive.
However,
bending and wear of the belt are important concerns. [18]

Figure 9: Crossed Belt Drive [19]

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4.4 Material of Belts:

The material used in belt drive should have certain qualities. They are listed below:
i. It can withstand high tensile stress.
ii. It should process high flexibility and low rigidity.
iii. Chemical stability, oil and other solvent resistance must be fair.
iv. High coefficient of friction between belt and pulley.
v. It should have excellent resistance to wear and fatigue.
vi. Excellent dimensional stability.
vii. Low weight per unit length.
viii. High ply separation resistance.
ix. Low elongation during operation, creep must be very trifling.
x. It can use at the wide range of temperature.
xi. They must be durable.

Following are the different materials used for making belts:

i. Leather
ii. Cotton or fabric
iii. Rubber
iv. Balata
v. Plastic
vi. Neoprene
vii. Platinum
viii. Gold
ix. Silver
x. Urethane
xi. Polyamide
xii. Polyester
xiii. Aramide [20]

4.5 Slip in Belt Drives:

“Slip in the belt drive is a phenomenon of the relative motion between belt and pulley.”

Due to insufficient grip of friction between pulley and belt, there are some relative motion in
between those two is present, this motion is called slip of the belt. Ideally it should be a zero.

In other words, when the belt gets mounted on slip arch of the pulley; At that time due to
inappropriate friction between two the pulley travels with relatively greater velocity leaving the
belt behind.

This virtue of relative motion is called as Slip in Belt Drives. [21]

 Engineering Dynamics Lab Report

4.6 Creep of Belts:

“When a belt rotates through two pulleys, upper side of this drive will tight side and lower side
will be slack side, now a certain portion of belt will pass through the area where it will change
from tight side to slack side, then the length of that specific portion of the belt will expand and
contract subsequently and a relative motion will happen between belt and pulley surface. This
phenomenon is called Creep of Belt.”
This effects a slight reduction in velocity of follower pulley than driven one. proper selection of
belt material and belt length can reduce this loss. [22]

5. Procedure:
i. Set the angle to 30 ° .
ii. Measure the tension “T 1” of belt before setting on pulley and note it down.
iii. Set the belt on the pulley with its rough side resting upon the pulley.
iv. After the belt is set upon, rotate the pulley so that there is friction between the belt and
pulley.
v. Due to this friction, the tension reduces and T 2<T 1.
vi. Measure the T 2and note down the values in the table.
vii. Take 3 values of different weights and its outcome i.e. T 2.
viii. Now increase the angle to 60° and repeat the same steps.
ix. Keep on increasing angle at 30° increments until you reach 150° .
x. Note the log natural of (T 1/T 2) and note down.
xi. Take the mean of log of ratio of tension for each angle
xii. Now divide log of ratio of tension by the angle of wrap “θ ” and note down the values.
xiii. Calculate the mean of these values too.
xiv. Calculate the coefficient of friction using the formula:
T1
ln ⁡( )
T2
μ=
θ

6. Observations and Calculations:

Table 1: Coefficient of Friction of Flat Belt
No. Angle of Wrap Tensions Log of Ratio of Coefficient of
of (θ) (lbs) Logarithms Friction
Obs T1 T1
. ln ⁡( ) ln ⁡( )
T2 T2
μ=
θ
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Degree Radian T 1=1.25T 1=2.25T 1=3.25T 1=1.25T 1=2.25T 1=3.25T 1=1.25T 1=2.25T 1=3.25
s s
1. 1.1 2 2.9 0.12 0.11 0.11 0.24 0.22 0.21
T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2

8 8 4 4 5 8
30 ° π

2. 1 1.7 2.5 0.22 0.28 0.26 0.21 0.26 0.25

6

3 0 2 3 7 0
60 ° π

3. 0.9 1.5 2.2 0.32 0.40 0.39 0.20 0.25 0.24

3

9 5 0 9 8 8
90 ° π

4. 0.7 1.4 2 0.58 0.47 0.48 0.27 0.22 0.23

2

4 6 7 6 2
120 ° 2π

5. 0.6 1.2 1.8 0.73 062 0.59 0.28 0.24 0.22

3

4 9 1 0 0 6
150 ° 5π
6
Mean Coefficient of Friction=0.241
 Engineering Dynamics Lab Report

7. Comments:
i. The error in the experiment may be due to continuous loading, zero error of spring
balance and no lubrication etc.
ii. For proper working of the belts, the following measures must be taken:
 Keeping belts tight
 Taking up slacks of belts
 Running in new belts
 Cleaning dirty belts
 Dressing belts
 Rotate the drive two or three revolutions by hand and check the belt tension.
 If belts are under tensioned, they can slip. Slippage generates heat and will result in
cracking and belt failure.
 If belts are over tensioned, belt and bearing life can be reduced.
 Rotate the pulley not very fast because it will unbalance the pulley and the apparatus will
not work properly.
 The belt should be installed on the pulley with maximum care as to give moderate strain
on the pulley.
 To obtain the greatest amount of power from belts, the pulley should be covered with
leather.
 The leather in the belt should be pliable, of fine close fiber, solid in its appearance, and of
smooth polished surface
 To increase the driving power of belts, the circumference of pulleys should be increased.

8. References:
[1] Needham (1988), Volume 5, Part 9, 207–208
[2] "Flat Belt Pulleys, Belting, Splicing". Hit N Miss Enterprises. Archived from the original on
17 March 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-04.
[3] https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/flat-belts-16198743673.html
[4] Robert Grimshaw, Drive for Power Transmission Cassier's Magazine Vol. II, No. 9 (July
1892); pages 219–224.
[5] https://www.gamut.com/c/power-transmission/round-belt-pulleys-idlers
[6] https://me-mechanicalengineering.com/belt-drives/
[7] "Belt lacing patterns" (PDF). North Dakota Statue Univ.
[8] A Modern Cement Plant Installation, Power and Transmission. Vol. XVIII, No. 1 (Oct.
1902); pages 17–19 and 29. Note: This journal is the house organ of the Dodge Manufacturing
Company and is mostly devoted rope-power systems.
 Engineering Dynamics Lab Report

[9] http://doeparts.com/belts/
[10] Editorial staff (1916-04-15), "S.A.E. divisions exhibit activity", Horseless Age, 37 (8): 322.
[11] https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Rubber-Ribbed-belt-top-quality-pj406-pj432-pj457-pj483-
pj533-pj508-pj559-pj584-pj610-pj635-pj660/32838371974.html
[12] John J. Flather, Rope-Driving: A treatise on the transmission of power by means of fibrous
ropes, Wiley, New York, 1895.
[13] http://www.hitbelt.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=55&id=40
[14] Automotive Handbook (3rd ed.). Robert Bosch GmbH. 1993. p. 304. ISBN 0-8376-0330-7.
[15] https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/timing-belt-14198890548.html
[16] https://me-mechanicalengineering.com/belt-drives/
[17] https://cdn.me-mechanicalengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/open-belt-drive.jpg
[18] https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-applications-of-a-cross-belt-drive
[19] https://cdn.me-mechanicalengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/crossed-belt-
drive.jpg
[20] "Pininfarina Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic Research Center". Arc.pininfarina.it.
Retrieved 2009-10-24.
[21] Abraham, Herbert, Asphalts and Allied Substances, Princeton, N.J., D. Van Nostrand Co.,
6th ed., 1960, 5 Volumes
[22] American Ceramic Society Bulletin, Clay definitions, V. 18, No. 6, June 1939, pp 213-215