Finite Element Analysis of Synchronous Belt Tooth Failure

Abstract

This paper describes a finite element analysis of a synchronous belt tooth under operational loads and conditions with the objective of obtaining a greater understanding of belt failure by tooth root cracking through an examination of the strains within the facing fabric in the belt. The analysis used the ABAQUS finite element program, and was based on a two-dimensional finite element model incorporating a hyperelastic material model for the elastomer compound. Contact between the belt tooth face and the pulley groove was modelled using surface interface elements which allowed only compression and shear forces at the contact surfaces. It is concluded that the critical strains in the facing fabric of the belt, and therefore the belt life, are largely determined by the tangential loading condition on the belt teeth.