EXPERIMENTAL AND FINITE-ELEMENT STUDIES OF THE RUNNING OF V-RIBBED BELTS IN PULLEY GROOVES

A finite element model of a complete loop of V-ribbed belt running bet ween two torque transmitting pulleys has been created to study the mec hanics of contact between a belt rib and pulley groove. It has been va lidated against experimental measurements of radial movement of a K-se ction belt running on 80 mm diameter pulleys. Patterns of sticking and slip between the belt and pulley are predicted. Of particular interes t are the patterns of traction in entry and exit regions and, in fully seated regions, the variations with distance from the cord line. Both steady state and transient behaviours are modelled. Successful comput ations have only been achieved after developing a simplified descripti on of the belt rubber's incompressible hyperelasticity, based on subsi diary experimental and finite element testing. Of major interest is th e severe contact conditions predicted on driving pulleys compared to d riven pulleys at the same loading.