An exact solution for steady motion of an extensible belt in multipulley belt drive systems

The creep theory of multipulley belt drive systems is reexamined and the be lt is modeled as an elastic extensible string. An exact solution of the non linear steady state equations of a string is obtained which includes, elast ic extension, Coulomb friction, radial and tangential accelerations, and th e power loss due to friction between the belt and the pulleys. Most importa ntly, the present solution uses the correct compatibility rendition that en sures that the same belt is considered for all applied moments and speeds. An example of a two pulley system is considered which shows that existing a pproximations of the compatibility condition cause previous solutions for f ull slip to: underpredict the maximum transmitted moment; over predict the efficiency eta: and underpredict both the low and high values of the tensio n. [S1050-0472(00)01503-8].