Elements Of Mechanical 18EME 15/25

Engineering
In cross belt drives they rotate in opposite directions. At the junction where the belt crosses, it
rubs against itself and wears off. To avoid excessive wear, the shaft must be placed at a maximum
distance from each other and operate at low speeds.

Figure 8.2 Cross belt drive

8.3 Velocity ratio:

The velocity ratio of a belt drive is defined as the ratio of the speed of the driven pulley to the
speed of the driving pulley.

When there is no slip, the peripheral velocity of the two pulleys should be same.

Let d1 and d2 be the diameter of the driving pulley and driven pulley respectively, let N1 and N2
be their speeds in rpm.

Linear speed of the belt = [circumferential speed of the driving pulley] = [circumferential
speed of the driven pulley]

= [π d1N1] = [πd2N2]

d1N1 = d2N2

Velocity ratio = N2/N1 = d1/d2

Considering thickness of belt ‘t’,

Velocity ratio = N2/N1 = (d1+ t)/ (d2+ t)

8.4 Slip in Belt drives:

The difference between the tensions in the tight and slack sides of the belt is equal to the force
of friction. When this condition exists in a belt drive, the friction between the pulley and the belt in
contact with it will provide the necessary frictional grip to prevent the sliding of the belt over the
pulley. Suppose the difference between the tension in the tight and slack sides of the belt is greater
than the force of friction, then the belt begins to slide over the surface of the pulley. This sliding of the
belt which causes a relative motion between the pulley and belt is called slip.

MANJUNATHA E, AP, MECHANICAL, BITM Ballari Page 84