SUPPLEMENTARY PROBLEMS:

BASIC PROBLEMS

1. Two flat belt pulleys having a center to center

distance of 137 cm have drive diameter of 72 cm and 36
cm.
(a) Determine the length of the belt if both
pulleys will rotate both directions. (b) Determine
the angle of contact on the small and big pulley.
(c) Find the arc of contact on the small and big
pulley.
(d) Calculate the belt length if the belt will be
cross-connected to make the pulleys rotate in
opposite directions.
(e) Determine the angle of contact for opposite
direction.
(f) Determine the arc of contact on the small and
big pulley for opposite direction.

GIVEN:

D1 =36 cm D2 =72 cm C=137 cm

SOLUTION:

(a) LENGTH OF BELT IF ROTATE BOTH DIRECTIONS:

π (D2 -D1 )2
L= (D1 +D2 )+2C+
2 4C
π (72-36)2 cm2
L= (36+72)cm+2(137cm)+ L = 446 cm
2 4(137cm)
(b) ANGLE OF CONTACT OF THE SMALL PULLEY:
D2 -D1
θ1 =180-2Sin-1
2C
(72-36)cm
θ1 =180-2Sin-1 θ1 =165°
2(137cm)
ANGLE OF CONTACT OF THE LARGE PULLEY:
D2 -D1
θ2 =180+2Sin-1
2C
(72-36)cm
θ2 =180+2Sin-1 θ2 =195°
2(137cm)

107
 (c) ARC OF CONTACT OF THE SMALL PULLEY:
π
S1 =R1 θ1 =(18cm) (165°x ) S1 =51.84 cm
180°
ARC OF CONTACT OF THE LARGE PULLEY:
π
S2 =R2 θ2 =(36cm) (195°x ) S2 =122.52 cm
180°

(d) LENGTH OF BELT IF OPPOSITE DIRECTION:

π (D2 +D1 )2
L= (D1 +D2 )+2C+
2 4C
π (72+36)2 cm2
L= (36+72)cm+2(137cm)+
2 4(137cm)
L = 464.93 cm
(e) ANGLE OF CONTACT FOR OPPOSITE DIRECTION:
D2 +D1
θ=180+2Sin-1
2C
(72+36)cm
θ=180+2Sin-1 θ=226.43°
2(137cm)
(f) ARC OF CONTACT FOR SMALL PULLEY:
π
S1 =R1 θ1 =(18cm) (226.43°x ) S1 =71.135 cm
180°
ARC OF CONTACT FOR LARGE PULLEY:
π
S2 =R2 θ2 =(36cm) (226.43°x 180°) S2 =127.68 cm

2. A leather belt 6 inches by ¼ in thick running at 4000

ft/min connects 12 in and 60 in diameter pulleys. The
angle of contact are 270° and 240° for small and larger
pulley respectively. Coefficient of friction on large
pulley is 0.4 on small pulley 0.3. If the allowable
tension is 100 lb per in, determine the maximum
horsepower that can be transmitted without considering
centrifugal force.
GIVEN:

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 W = 6 in t = ¼ in V = 4000 ft/min T1 =100 lb/in
D1 =12 in θ1 =240° f=0.3

D2 =60 in θ2 =270° f=0.4

SOLUTION:
lb
F1 fθ (0.3)(270°)(
π
)
(100 in )
=e e 180 = T2 =24.32 lb/in
F2 T2
P=(F1 -F2 )V
(100-24.32)lb/in(6in)(4000ft/min)
P=
33000 lb-ft/min

P=55.04 hp

3. A flat belt 6 inches wide and 1/3 in thick and

transmits 20 hp. The center distance is 8 ft. The
driving pulley is 6 inches in diameter and rotates at
2000 rpm such that the loose side of the belt is on
top. The driven pulley is 18 inches in diameter, the
belt material is 0.035 lb/in3 and the coefficient of
friction is 0.30. Determine the belt net tension.

GIVEN:

W = 6 in t = 1/3 in P = 20 hp CD = 8 ft

Belt material=0.035 lb/in3 f = 0.3 D1 =6 in

N2 =2000 rpm D2 =18 in

SOLUTION:

396000 lb-in/min
P=20 hp x =630.25 lb.in
1 hp

T=(F1 -F2 )r

630.25 lb-in
(F1 -F2 )=
3 in

(F1 -F2 )=210 .08 lbs

109
4. In an open belt drive the center distance between two
pulleys is 300 mm. If the pulley diameters are 20 mm
and 100mm.
a) Determine the belt length
b) Find the angle of contact on the small and large
pulley.
c) Determine the arc of contact on the small and
large pulley.

GIVEN:

CD = 300 mm D1 =20 mm D2 =100 mm

SOLUTION:

(a) BELT LENGTH:

π (D2 -D1 )2
L= (D1 +D2 )+2C+
2 4C
π (100-20)2 mm2
L= (20+100)mm+2(300mm)+
2 4(300mm)

L=794 mm

(b) ANGLE OF CONTACT OF SMALL PULLEY:

(100-20)mm
θ1 =180-2Sin-1 θ1 =164.68°
2(300mm)

ANGLE OF CONTACT OF LARGE PULLEY:

(100-20)mm
θ2 =180+2Sin-1 θ2 =195.32°
2(300mm)
(c) ARC OF CONTACT OF SMALL PULLEY:
π
S1 =R1 θ1 =(10mm) (164.68°x ) S1 =58.74mm
180°
ARC OF CONTACT OF LARGE PULLEY:

π
S2 =R2 θ2 =(50mm) (195.32°x ) S2 =170.45mm
180°

110
5. In a cross belt drive the center distance of two pulleys
is 3 meters and the pulley diameter are 150 mm and 250
mm respectively.
(a) Find the belt length.
(b) Find the angle of contact.
(c) Determine the arc of contact on the small
pulley.

GIVEN:

CD = 3 m D1 =150 mm D2 =250 mm

SOLUTION:

(a) BELT LENGTH:

π (D2 +D1 )2
L= (D1 +D2 )+2C+
2 4C
π (150+250)2 mm2
L= (150+250)mm+2(3000m)+
2 4(3000mm)
L = 6641mm
(b) ANGLE OF CONTACT:
D2 +D1
θ=180+2Sin-1
2C
(250+150)mm
θ=180+2Sin-1 θ=187.6°
2(3000mm)
(c) ARC OF CONTACT OF SMALL PULLEY:
π
S1 =R1 θ1 =(75mm) (187.6°x ) S1 =245.57mm
180°

6. Find the angle of contact on the small pulley for an

open belt drive with a 72 in center distance. The pulley
diameters are 6 in and 12 in.
GIVEN:
CD = 72 D1 =6 in D2 =12 in

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 SOLUTION:
D2 -D1
θ1 =180-2Sin-1
2C

(12-6)in
θ1 =180-2Sin-1 θ1 =164.68°
2(72in)

7. Find the belt length at 72 in center distance connected

in open belt. The pulley diameters are 6 in and 12 in.
GIVEN:
CD = 72 in D1 =6 in D2 =12 in

SOLUTION:

π (D2 -D1 )2
L= 2 (D1 +D2 )+2C+ 4C

π (12-6)2 in2
L= (12+6)in+2(72in)+
2 4(72in)

L=172.39 in

8. A 6 in diameter pulley turning at 600 rpm is belt

connected to a 12-inch diameter pulley. If there is 4%
slip, find the speed of the 12 in pulley.
GIVEN:
D1 =6 in D2 =12 in N = 600 rpm
4% slip

SOLUTION:

D1 N1 =D2 N2

6in(600rpm)=(12in)(N2 )

N2 =300 rpm
N2∙ =300(1-0.04) N2∙ =288 rpm

9. For a given manufacturer gives a horsepower rating of

2.5 hp per inch of width based on a belt speed of 2600
ft/min. The drive is to handle 10 hp and the arc of
contact correction factor is 0.90. Find the width of
belt needed. Assume that belt widths are available in 1
inch increments.

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 GIVEN:
P = 2.5 hp V = 2600 ft/min
correction factor = 0.90
SOLUTION:
SOLVING THE ACTUAL HP RATING:
P=2.5(0.90)= 2.225 hp/in

10hp
Belt width= 2.25hp
in

Belt width=4.44 in
Therefore: Use 5 in width of belt

10. A ¼ in round endless belt connects a 1in diameter

pulley with a 2 in pulley; spacing between pulleys is 4
in on centers. The allowable stress is 400 psi. If the
1 in pulley is the driver and rotates 100 rpm. How much
horsepower can be transmitted? Assume the coefficient
of friction to be 0.30 for each pulley.
GIVEN:
D1 =1in D2 =2in C = 4in S=400 psi
N1 =100rpm
f = 0.30 d = ¼ in
SOLUTION:
Since both have the same coefficient of friction,
smaller pulley will be the basis of computation.
D2 -D1
θ=180-2Sin-1
2C
(2-1)in
θ=180-2Sin-1 =165.63°
2(4in)
F1 fθ F1 (0.30)(165.63°x π )
=e =e 180° F1 =2.38F2
F2 F2

F π(0.25in)2
S= F=SA F=(400psi) ( ) =19.63 lbs
A 4

19.63lbs
F2 = =8.25 lb
2.38

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 π(1in)(100rpm)1ft
V= =26.179 ft/min
12in

(F1 -F2 )V (19.63-8.25)lb(26.179fpm)

HP= ft = ft
33000lb- min 33000lb- min

HP=0.00903 hp

11. A 3/8 in flat leather belt is 12 in wide and is

used on a 24 in diameter pulley rotating 600 rpm. The
specific weight of the belt is 0.035 lb/in3. The angle
of contact is 150°. If the coefficient of friction is
0.3 and the allowable stress is 300 psi, how much hp
can it transmit?
GIVEN:
d = 3/8 in w = 12 in D1 =24 in N1 =600 rpm
γ=0.035lb/in3 θ=150° f = 0.3 S = 300 psi
SOLUTION:
For Flat Belts:
12ρV2 efθ -1
F1 -F2 =bt(S- ) fθ
g e
V = п(24/12)(600/60) = 62.83ft/s
п
(0.30)(150)( )
efθ = e 180 = 2.193
ρv2 (0.035)(62.83)2
= = 51.55
2.68 2.68
3 2.193−1
𝐹1 − 𝐹2 = (12) (8) (300 − 51.55)( )
2.193

𝐹1 − 𝐹2 = 608.26 lb
(𝐹1 −𝐹2 )𝑣 (608.26)(62.83x60)
HP = =
33000 33000

HP = 69.50 hp

12. A 5 mm round belt connects a 20 mm pulley with a

40 mm pulley. The center distance is 150 mm. The 20 mm
pulley rotates at 100 rpm and the coefficient of
friction of the belt is 0.25. Find the horsepower

114
 capacity for this arrangement if the allowable belt
stress is 2.6 N/mm2
GIVEN:
DBELT = 5mm
D1 = 20mm N1 = 100rpm
D2 = 40mm f1 = 0.25
C = 150mm St = 2.6 N/mm2
SOLUTION:
St = F/A
F = St(A) = (2.6)(п/4)(5)2 = 51.05 N
For larger Pulley:
θ2 = 180 + 2sin-1[(R2-R1)/C]
θ2 = 180 + 2sin-1[(20-10)/150] = 187.65o
θ2 = 3.275rad
For smaller Pulley:
θ1 = 180 - 2sin-1[(R2-R1)/C]
θ1 = 180 - 2sin-1[(20-10)/150] = 172.35o
θ1 = 3rad
For larger Pulley:
𝑒 𝑓𝜃 = 𝑒 (0.25)(3.275) = 2.27
For smaller Pulley:
𝑒 𝑓𝜃 = 𝑒 (0.25)(3) = 2.12

Therefore smaller pulley governs the design:

F1/F2 = 𝑒 𝑓𝜃

51.05/F2 = 2.12 ; F2 = 24.10N

V = п(0.02)(100/60) = 0.1047 m/s
P = (F1-F2)v = (51.05—24.1)(0.1047)
P = 2.822 Watts
P = 0.002822 KW

13. The torque transmitted in a belt connected 310 mm

diameter pulley is 5 KN-m. Find the power driving the
pulley if belt speed is 25 m/s.
GIVEN:

115
 T = 5 KN-m
D = 310mm(1m/1000mm) = 0.310m

V = 25 m/s

SOLUTION:
T = (F1-F2)D/2
(F1-F2) = 2T/D = 2(5)/0.310 = 32.26 KN
P = (F1-F2)v = 32.26 (25)
P = 806.5 KW

14. A pulley 580 mm in diameter transmits 60 KW at 650

rpm by means of belt. Determine the effective belt
pull.
GIVEN:
D = 580mm
P = 60KW
N = 650rpm
SOLUTION:
2пTN
p = 60𝑥106
𝑃(60𝑥106 ) (60)(60𝑥106 )
T = = = 881473.531 N-mm
2пN 2п(650)

T = (F1-F2)D/2
(F1-F2) = 2T/D = 2(881473.531)/580
(F1-F2) = 3039.56 N OR 3.0396 KN

15. Determine the belt length of an open belt to

connect the 5 cm and 10 cm diameter pulley at a center
distance of 75 cm.
GIVEN:
D1 = 5cm ; C = 75cm ; D2 = 10cm

116
 SOLUTION:
(D2−D1)2
L = (п/2)(D1 + D2) + 2C + 4𝐶
(10−5)2
L = (п/2)(5 + 10) + 2(75) + 4(75)

L = 173.65cm

16. A pulley has a belt pull of 3.0 KN. If 30 HP motor

is used to drive the pulley, compute the belt speed, in
ft/s.
GIVEN:
(F1-F2) = 3.0 KN
P = 30 HP (0.746KW/1HP) = 22.38 KW
SOLUTION:

P = (F1-F2)v

V = P/(F1-F2) = 22.38/3 = 7.46 m/s (3.28ft/1m)

V = 24.5 ft/s

17. Find the angle of contact on the small pulley for

a belt drive with center distance of 73 in if pulley
diameters are 7 in and 14 in, respectively.
GIVEN:
D1 = 7in ; C = 73in ; D2 = 14in
SOLUTION:
For smaller Pulley:
θ1 = 180 - 2sin-1[(D2-D1)/C]
θ1 = 180 - 2sin-1[(14-7)/73]
𝛉1 = 174.5o

18. Determine the belt length of an open belt to connect

the 8 cm and 14 cm diameter pulley at a center of 50cm.
GIVEN:
D1 = 8cm ; C = 50cm ; D2 = 14cm
SOLUTION:
(D2−D1)2
L = (п/2)(D1 + D2) + 2C + 4𝐶

117
 (14−8)2
L = (п/2)(5 + 10) + 2(50) + 4(50)

L = 173.65cm
19. Find the angle of contact on the small pulley for a belt
drive center distance of 75 in. If the pulley diameters
are 9 in. and 18 in, respectively.
GIVEN:
D1 = 9in ; C = 75in ; D2 = 18in
SOLUTION:
For smaller Pulley:
θ1 = 180 - 2sin-1[(D2-D1)/C]
θ1 = 180 - 2sin-1[(18-9)/75]
𝛉1 = 173.12o
20. A 10 cm pulley turning at 650 rpm is driving a 23
cm pulley by means of belt. If the total belt slip is
6%, find the speed of the driving gear.
GIVEN:
D1 = 9in N1 = 650rpm
D2 = 18in Slip = 6%
SOLUTION:

D1N1 = D2N2

9(650) = (18)N2

N2 = 270rpm (1-0.06)

N2 = 253.8rpm

21. A 915 mm diameter driving pulley is used to drive

1220 mm pulley. The center-to-center distance between
the two pulleys is 3.5 m and the output of the driven
shaft is 85 hp. If a leather belt is used with a belt
speed of 1300 m/min, coefficient of friction is 0.28,
percent slip is 1.5% on each pulley, and loss due to
friction on each shaft is 6%, calculate:

118
 a. The rpm of each shaft.
b. Difference in belt tensions.
GIVEN:
D1 =915mm D2 =1220mm C = 3.5 m
P=85 hp V=1300m/min
f = 0.28 %slip=1.5%
SOLUTION:
A) The rpm on each shaft
For the smaller pulley:
πD1 N1 (1-%slip )
VD1 =
60
m 1min π(0.915m)N1 (1-0.015)
(1300 )( )=
min 60s 60

N1 =459.1305 rpm
For the larger pulley:
πD2 N2 (1-%slip )
VD2 =
60
m 1min π(1.220m)N2 (1-0.015)
(1300 )( )=
min 60s 60
N2 =344.3479 rpm
B) Difference in belt tensions

P=(F1 -F2 )V

746W
PD (85hp)( )
1hp
P= = =67 457.4468 W
1-%frictional losses 1-0.06

Substitute:

N-m m 1min
67 457.4468 =(F1 -F2 ) (1300 min) ( 60s )
s

(F1 -F2 )=3113.4206 N = 3.1134 KN

22. Calculate the length of the belt on pulleys with

diameters of 131 mm and 470 mm at shaft distance 511
mm.
GIVEN:
D1 =131mm D2 =470mm C = 511 mm
SOLUTION:
119
 π (470-131)2 mm2
L= (131+470)mm+2(511mm)+
2 4(511mm)
L=2022.27 mm

23. Two shaft, 6 ft. apart, are connected by an open

leather belt ¼ in thick and 4 in wide. The driving
shaft rotates at 438 rpm.
a. Determine the Hp that may be transmitted under
steady load conditions.

GIVEN:

1
t= 4 in W=4 in C = 6 ft N2 =438 rpm

N1 =1750 rpm D1 =8 in

SOLUTION:

a. Hp that may be transmitted under steady load

conditions
Assuming both materials made from steel
For leather belt on steel, f=0.30 (Faires, p445)
D1 N1 8in(1750 rpm)
𝐷1 𝑁1 = 𝐷2 𝑁2 D2 = = =32 in
N2 438rpm

D2 -D1 32-8
θD1 =180-2Sin-1 ( ) =180-2Sin-1 ( ) =160.812°=2.81 rad
2C 2(72in)

8in(1750rpm)
V1 =πD1 N1 =π 12in 60sec
=61.087 fps
( )( )
ft min

0.0351lb 1
12ρbtV2 12 ( ) (4in)( 4 in)(61.087fps)2
in
FC = =
g 32.2fps

FC =46.673 lbs

From D.M.E. by Faires P.446

For normal good operating conditions(steady load),

Design Stress, SD =4000 n (n is for type of belt

joint)

120
 Assuming belt joint by cementing, n=1.0

F 1
SD = bt1 F1 =SD bt=(400psi)(1)(4in)( 4 in)

F1 =400 lbs

F1 -Fc fθ 400-46.673
=e F2 = +46.673=198.9 lbs
F2 -Fc e0.3(2.81)

Therefore,
(400-198.9)lb(61.087fps)
P=(F1 -F2 )V=
550 (ft-lb)/sec

P=22.24 hp
24. A 15 cm pulley turning at 620 rpm is driving a 25
cm pulley by means of a belt. If the total belt slip is
6%, determine the speed of the driving gear.
GIVEN:
D1 =15cm D2 =25cm N1 =620 rpm %slip=6%
SOLUTION:
D1 N1 =D2 N2

(15cm)(620rpm)
N2 = (1-6%)
25cm
N2 =349.7 rpm

25. If a driving pulley is 6 in. in diameter and

drives a 12-in. diameter pulley, find the speed of the
driven pulley if the driver rotates at 200 rpm.
Calculate this for a condition of no slip, then
recalculate assuming a total loss (slip and creep) of
4%.
GIVEN:
D1 =6in D2 =12in N1 =200 rpm %slip=4%

121
 SOLUTION:
Condition of no slip:
D1 N1 =D2 N2
(6in)(200rpm)
N2 =
12in
N2 =100 rpm
Condition with slip
N2 =100rpm(1-0.04)
N2 =96 rpm

26. Find FC for a leather belt with the following

characteristics.
GIVEN:
b = 100mm t = 6.4mm v = 18.3 m/s
SOLUTION:
12ρbtV2
FC =
g

9.81(10)-6 (979)(100)(6.4)(18.3)2
FC =
9.8

FC =209 N
NOTE: THE SPECIFIC WEIGHT WAS GIVEN IN KILOGRAMS UNIT;
THEREFORE FORCE MUST BE CORRECTED FOR NEWTONS BY
MULTIPLYING BY 9.81

27. A ¼ in belt transmits 30 hp while running on a 2-

ft pulley rotating at 600 rpm. The allowable belt
stress is 500 psi; the angle of contact is 150 deg.
Find the belt width required, assuming the coefficient
of friction is 0.4 and the specific weight of the belt
material is 0.035 lb/cu in.
GIVEN:
D = 2ft N = 600 rpm
122
P = 30hp S = 500 psi
f = 0.4 θ = 150
𝛾 = 0.035 lb/cu in
SOLUTION:
πDN π(2)(600)
v= = =62.8 ft/sec
60 60
150π
(0.4)( )
efθ =2.718 180 =2.85
550(hp)
b= wv2 efθ -1
vt (S- 2.68) ( efθ )
550(30)
b=
0.035(62.8)2 2.85-1
(62.8)(0.25) (500- ) ( 2.85 )
2.68

b=3.61 in

123