Sj. Hwang et al., ROTATIONAL RESPONSE AND SLIP PREDICTION OF SERPENTINE BELT DRIVE SYSTEMS, Journal of vibration and acoustics, 116(1), 1994, pp. 71-78
A nonlinear model is developed which describes the rotational response
of automotive serpentine belt drive systems. Serpentine drives utiliz
e a single (long) belt to drive all engine accessories from the cranks
haft. An equilibrium analysis leads to a closed-form procedure for det
ermining steady-state tensions in each belt span. The equations of mot
ion are linearized about the equilibrium state and rotational mode vib
ration characteristics are determined from the eigen value problem gov
erning free response. Numerical solutions of the nonlinear equations o
f motion indicate that, under certain engine operating conditions, the
dynamic tension fluctuations may be sufficient to cause the belt to s
lip on particular accessory pulleys. Experimental measurements of dyna
mic response are in good agreement with theoretical results and confir
m theoretical predictions of system vibration, tension fluctuations, a
nd slip.