Belt Friction
Belt Friction
Belt Friction
Unit 27
Belt Friction
Helen Margaret Lester Plants
Late Professor Emerita
Wallace Starr Venable
Emeritus Associate Professor
West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
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Unit 27
Belt Friction
Frame 27-1
Introduction
The material covered in this unit is generally referred to as "friction on flat belts".
You will see how the principles of statics which you have learned can be combined with
the techniques of calculus to derive formulas for systems which involve distributed
forces, and you will learn how to work problems which involve friction between flat
belts or ropes and cylindrical pulleys or drums.
No response
Frame 27-2
Derivation
The first section of this unit involves reading a derivation. Most of the derivation is in
your notebook but you will be asked to respond to several questions in the unit and to
fill in several key steps in the notebook.
Open your notebook to page 27-1 and read until you come to the first $. Then turn to
the next frame.
Correct response to preceding frame
No response
Frame 27-3
Discussion
From the information in the first paragraph determine the direction in which belt
slippage impends.
Frame 27-4
Discussion of Derivation
The sketch of the element of the belt is not a free body diagram. In addition to the
tension T on the left end and the tension T + dT on the right end, the contact between
the belt and the drum will result in a normal force and a friction force on the element.
Complete the diagram by showing the friction force in the proper direction to put the
element in equilibrium.
Correct response to preceding frame
Frame 27-5
Discussion of Derivation
The tensions T and T + dT are perpendicular to the radial lines which form the ends of
the element, hence the angle between the tensile forces and x axis is
Label the forces df and dN and the angles between the tensile forces and the x axis on
the element on notebook page 27-1.
Correct response to preceding frame
Frame 27-6
Discussion of Derivation
Write equilibrium equations for the x and y direction in terms of T, T + dT, dN, and df,
on the element on the spaces in the notebook just below the first $.
Frame 27-7
Discussion of Derivation
Use the small angle approximations in the notebook and reduce your equations from
the preceding frame to a simpler form.
Fill in the appropriate blanks in your notebook and continue to the next $ sign.
Correct response to preceding frame
df = dT
dN = T d
Frame 27-8
Discussion of Derivation
Our next step is to separate the variables in the equation, that is, to rearrange the
equation like this
Now we can integrate the equation from end a to end b of the contact between the rope
and the drum.
First let's establish the limits of integration. Look at the first picture in this
derivation.
At a
At b
At a T = TL and = 0
At b T = TS and =
Frame 27-9
Discussion of Derivation
Using the information you figured out in the preceding frame, put the proper limits on
the integral in your notebook, then turn to frame 27-10.
Correct response to preceding frame
Frame 27-10
Discussion of Derivation
Evaluate the integrals. (You may consult your calculus book, if necessary.)
Correct response to preceding frame
Frame 27-11
Discussion of Derivation
Using the results of the integration, write an equation for T L and T S in terms of
and .
__________________ = ________________
Correct response to preceding frame
Frame 27-12
Discussion of Derivation
The definition of the natural logorithm allows us to express the equation below in
another form.
Try doing it from memory, confirm your results on the next page, then write the
correct form in your notebook as Form II.
Correct response to preceding frame
Frame 27-13
Transition
You have now completed the derivation section of this unit. The remaining portion of
the unit will give you opportunity to apply the equations which have been derived to
several problems involving belt and rope friction.
When you're ready to "have at it" again, close your notebook and turn to the next
frame.
Correct response to preceding frame
No response
Frame 27-14
the quantities and are both positive values therefore e is always greater than
one.
Hence, T L is the (larger , smaller) of the two tensions, and T S is the (larger ,
smaller) of the two tensions.
Correct response to preceding frame
T L is the larger
T S is the smaller
Frame 27-15
TL = _________
TS = _________
Correct response to preceding frame
Frame 27-16
In the situation shown the 100 pound block has impending motion upward.
TL = _________
TS = _________
Frame 27-17
Determination of
Frame 27-18
Suppose we were to find the minimum force F which is needed in order to hold up the
500 pound weight, and we were told that the coefficient of friction between the drum
and the belt is 1/10.
Draw a FBD of the belt.
TL = ____________
TS = ____________
= ____________
= ____________
Correct response to preceding frame
Frame 27-19
Use the list of values in the response to the previous frame and evaluate F using the
equation
F = _____________
Correct response to preceding frame
Frame 27-20
Frame 27-21
P= _________________
Correct response to preceding frame
Frame 27-22
On cylinder A,
Draw a FBD of the belt as it passes around B. Identify the tensions and set up the belt
equation for B.
Correct response to preceding frame
Frame 27-23
on A, and on B.
Solve these equations and find the value of W which causes the system to begin to
move.
W = _______________
Correct response to preceding frame
Frame 27-24
Problem 27-1
Frame 27-25
Transition
At this point you should be able to work relatively simple problems which involve belt
friction.
Often belt friction is part of a problem which also includes other friction surfaces or
machine elements. The last part of this unit will give you some experience with these
combinations.
If you want a rest take it now. When you're ready to proceed, turn to the next frame.
Correct response to preceding frame
No response
Frame 27-26
Brake
Frame 27-27
Brake
3. Now assume that = 0.25 , and that the rope is about to slip on the drum.
Frame 27-28
Brake
Select an appropriate group of equations from the response above and solve for the
value of P.
P = ________________
Correct response to preceding frame
Frame 27-29
Alternative Motions
Before you begin to write equations, list the ways in which A may move.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Correct response to preceding frame
Frame 27-30
Alternative Motions
Solve for the value of P which will cause block A to move and tell how A will move.
Correct response to preceding frame
Frame 27-31
Problem 27-2
Frame 27-32
Closure
In this unit you have seen how one of the more complicated friction equations can be
derived and you have learned to use the "flat belt friction" equation for situations
involving ropes and belts, both alone and in combination with other elements.