Mechanism and Mechanical Vibration Lab

Name: Hassan Mahmood CMS ID: 336583 Class: ME-12 C

Lab Report 1
Introduction to Belt Drive Mechanism

Objective
• Determine the Pulley’s Rotational Direction when the belt is installed.
• Verify the Mathematical Relationship

𝑵𝟐 𝑫𝟐
=
𝑵𝟏 𝑫𝟏
Introduction
Belt drives are mechanical power transmission devices that transfer power between two or more
shafts by means of pulleys and a flexible frictional drive. The material of the belt is rubber or
another flexible composite. Due to their ability to manage speed and transfer torque more
efficiently and effectively, they are frequently employed in a variety of applications.

Belt Drives are quiet in operation and have shock absorption. Their Installation is inexpensive, simple,
and prevents slipping.

Types of Belts
Belt Drives have many applications in the industry. Due to these vast applications different types of
belt drives are available in the market suited to different applications.
Some common types are.
• Flat Belt
• Round Belt
• V Belt
• Toothed Belt
• Link Belt
Open Belt Drives
In this configuration the belt is in an open loop, not crossed or twisted between the driven and driver
pulleys. The positions of the two pulleys are parallel.
Typically, the driven and driver pulleys are situated on the
same side of the belt. This enables the driver and driven
pulleys to rotate in the same direction. Open belt drives are
easy to install and design. They are appropriate for
applications where it is simple to change the distance
between the driven and driving shafts. Open belt drives are
also rather simple to keep up. Applications where the
direction of rotation must be maintained without reversal calls for open belt drives.

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 Mechanism and Mechanical Vibration Lab

Crossed Belt Drive

In a crossed belt drive configuration, the belt is twisted
as it spans between the driver and driven pulleys,
resulting in a distinctive figure-eight or crossed path.
The driver pulley and the driven pulley are positioned
on opposing sides of the belt, causing it to crisscross
between them. This design permits a reversal in the
rotational direction of both the driver and driven
(follower) pulleys. Crossed belt drives find frequent use
in scenarios where spatial limitations demand a more
space-efficient arrangement. They are commonly
applied in situations where changing the rotational direction is necessary or when close proximity of
the driver and driven pulleys is required. Illustrative applications include certain types of milling
machinery and specific conveyor systems.

Procedure
Open Belt Drive
1. Begin with a flexible belt.
2. Position the belt within the grooves of the initial pulley.
3. While maintaining the belt's orientation, transfer it to the second pulley.
4. Create a parallel marking on both the first and second pulleys.
5. Rotate the driver pulley and record the rotation of the driven (follower) pulley for every full
rotation of the driver pulley.

Crossed Belt Drive

1. Begin with a flexible belt.
2. Position it within the grooves of the first pulley.
3. Twist the belt once to form an "8" shape and place it onto the second pulley.
4. Create parallel markings on both the first and second pulleys.
5. Rotate the driver pulley and record the rotation of the driven (follower) pulley for each full
rotation of the driver pulley.

Observations
Open Belt Drive Cross Belt Drive
Direction of rotation of Driver Clockwise Clockwise
Direction of rotation of Driven Clockwise Anti-Clockwise
Diameter of Driver 95 cm 60 cm
Diameter of Driven 31.7 cm 60 cm
Number of rotations of the Driver 1 1
Number of rotations of the Driven 3 1

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 Mechanism and Mechanical Vibration Lab

Calculations
Open Belt Drive:
𝑵𝟐⁄𝑵𝟏 = 𝑫𝟏⁄𝑫𝟐
𝟑⁄𝟏 = 𝟗𝟓⁄𝟑𝟏.𝟕
𝟑 ≈ 𝟐. 𝟗𝟗𝟕
Cross Belt Drive
𝑁2⁄𝑁1 = 𝐷1⁄𝐷2
1⁄1 = 60⁄60
1=1

Discussion
In an open belt system, it is clear from our observations that the rotation of the driver and driven
pulleys stays constant, whereas it reverses in a cross-belt configuration. Additionally, we have
verified that.
𝑵𝟐⁄𝑵𝟏 = 𝑫𝟏⁄𝑫𝟐
The individual requirements of the application, taking into consideration elements like the available
space, desired rotational direction, and the need for reversibility, will determine whether to use an
open belt drive or a crossed belt drive. Both arrangements are frequently used in a variety of
mechanical and industrial systems to transfer power between rotating shafts efficiently. In order to
ensure the reliable operation of belt drives, it is imperative to emphasise that adequate tensioning,
alignment, and regular maintenance are essential regardless of the configuration selected.
Conclusion
Numerous considerations must be carefully considered when selecting the right belt for a particular
application. These elements are crucial in defining the specifications for the belt and pulleys when
designing a belt drive. Among the most important things to consider are:

• Needs for power transmission.

• Shaft spacing
• Service environment conditions
• Space limitations
• Kind of load being driven
• Ratio of speed
Automotive, manufacturing, agricultural, HVAC systems, and other industries all find wide utility in
belt drives, which are famous for their simplicity, dependability, and affordability. Their desirability is
influenced by their quiet operation, low noise production, stress absorption, and simplicity of
maintenance. Belt drives do, however, have several disadvantages, including slippage, wear and
tear, straining, and a restricted capacity for power transmission. Numerous varieties of belts and
pulleys, such as V-belts, timing belts, flat belts, round belts, and others, have been designed to
overcome these constraints. For these systems to operate effectively and dependably, proper
maintenance and the choice of the best belt type are crucial.

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