Power Transmission Belt Performance and Failure

Abstract

Abstract The performance and life of power transmission belts has been investigated by a number of research groups over the past decade or so. Most studies have been directed at a particular problem with or application of belting technology, with synchronous and V-ribbed belts generating the most research activity. This paper reviews contemporary studies on the performance and failure of synchronous and V-ribbed belts to develop an overall picture of how the understanding of belt materials, mechanics, and failure mechanisms has progressed in recent years. The studies which have moved the understanding of belt behavior furthest forward have been those which sought, through an improved understanding of how a belt acts as a composite, to integrate the various strands of materials, mechanics and failure analysis knowledge available to give a clear and coherent picture of how a belt works and fails, although none of the studies seen so far can claim to have accomplished this completely.