Samarth Polytechnic, Belhe

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Subject: - Theory Of Machine

(TOM-22438)
Chapter No.- 4
BELT, Chain AND GEAR
Drives
( Marks-14)
TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives 14 Marks

4.1 Belt Drives- introduction to flat belt, V-belt & its applications, material for flat and V-belt.
Introduction of timing belt and pulley. Angle of lap, length of belt, Slip and creep. Determination
of velocity ratio, of tight side and slack side tension, centrifugal tension and initial tension,
condition for maximum power transmission. Merits demerits and selection of belts for given
applications.
4.2 Chain Drives- introduction to chain drive. Types of chains and sprockets. Merits & demerits
and selection of chain for given application. methods of lubrication
4.3 Gear Drives – Introduction to gear drives. Classification of gears, Law of gearing, gear
terminology. Types of gear trains, their selection for different applications. Train value &
velocity ratio for simple, compound, reverted and epicyclic gear trains using spur and helical
gears. Merits, demerits and selection of gear drive for given application.

Course outcomes (COs)

CO4. Recommend relevant brakes, chains and drives for different applications.

Belt Drive
The belts are used to transmit power from one shaft to another shaft by means of pulleys.
Types of Belts
Following two types of belts are used to transmit power from one shaft to another shaft.
(a) Flat belt. (b) V-belt. (c) Circular belt.

1) Flat belt –THE flat belts are mounted on flat pulleys. Flat belts are rectangular in cross
section. Power is transmitted from driver pulley to driven pulley due to frictional grip between
belt and pulley. Fig (a) shows flat belt mounted on flat pulley. It is used to transmit power up to
8m distance.
Material used for flat belts–Leather, Cotton or fabric, rubber, balata, steel etc.
Application of flat belt –Belt conveyer; saw mills, food industries, machines of factories and
workshops to transmit power.
2) V-belt- THEV belts are mounted on V grooved pulleys. V belts are trapezoidal in cross
section. The Power is transmitted from driver pulley to driven pulley due to frictional grip
between belt and pulley. Fig (a) shows V belt mounted on V grooved pulley. It is used to
transmit power up to 8m distance.
Materials used for V belt -The V-belts are made of fabric and cords moulded in rubber and
covered with fabric and rubber, as shown in Fig. These belts are moulded to a trapezoidal shape
and they are made endless.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Applications of V belt–Electric pumps, compressors, machine tools, machines of factories and

workshops to transmit power.

Fig. Materials for V belts

Advantages and Disadvantages of V-belt Drive over Flat Belt Drive
Following are the advantages and disadvantages of the V-belt drive over flat belt drive.
Advantages
1. The V-belt drive is compact drive due to the small distance between the centers of
pulleys.
2. The drive is positive, because the slip between the belt and the pulley groove is
negligible.
3. The drive issmooth because v belts are endless.
4. It can be easily installed and removed.
5. The high velocity ratio and power transmission due to negligible slip.
6. It can be operated bidirectional (Clockwise or anticlockwise).
Disadvantages
1. The V-belt drive cannot be used with large centre distances.
2. The V-belts are not so durable (long life) as flat belts.
3. The construction of pulleys for V-belts is more complicated than pulleys for flat belts.
4. The V belt drive is costly.
Difference between Flat belt and V belt
Sr. No Flat belt drive V belt drive
1. Slip is more due to less frictional grip Negligible slip
between belt and pulley.
2. Low Velocity ratio and power transmission. High Velocity ratio and power
transmission.
3. Flat belt is Rectangular in cross section. It V belt is Trapezoidal in cross section (V
requires flat pulleys. shape). It requires V grooved pulleys.
4. Drive is noisy. Drive is Smooth.
5. Drive is compact. It is used for long distance.
6. More durable (Long life) Less durable (Low life)
7. Drive is operated unidirectional. Drive can be operated bidirectional.
8. Application -Belt conveyer; saw mills, food Application- Electric pumps,
industries, machines of factories and compressors, machine tools, machines of
workshops. factories and workshops.

Mr. Sanjay Dalavi, Dept. of Automobile Engg. NPK. Page 2

TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Types of Flat belt drive

The power from one pulley to another is transmitted by following way.
1. Open belt drive
2. Cross belt drive
3. Compound belt drive

1. Open belt drive –

The open belt drive is shown in Figure. It is used with shafts arranged parallel and rotating in
the same direction. In this case, the driver pulley pulls the belt from lower side AD and delivers
it to the upper side BC. The tension in lower side AD will be more than upper side BC.
The lower side is subjected to more tension due to more pull force hence it is known as
tight side. The upper side is subjected to less tension hence it is known as Slack side.
The tight side should be at bottom and slack side should be at upper, because it increases
arc of contact between belt and pulley. More arc of contact means more frictional grip and
more power transmission.

2. Crossed or twist belt drive -

The crossed or twist belt drive is shown in Figure. It is used with shafts arranged parallel and
rotating in the opposite directions. In this case, the driver pulley pulls the belt from one side AC
and delivers it to the other side BD. Thus the tension in the belt side AC will be more than that

Mr. Sanjay Dalavi, Dept. of Automobile Engg. NPK. Page 3

TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

in the belt side BD. The belt side AC is known as tight side because it subjected to more pull
force, whereas the belt side BD is known as slack side because it subjected to less tension.
A little consideration will show that at a point where the belt crosses, it rubs against each other
and there will be excessive wear and tear. In order to avoid this, the shafts should be placed at
a maximum distance of 20 b, where b is the width of belt and the speed of the belt should be
less than15 m/s.

3. Compound belt drive - A compound belt drive is shown in Figure. It is used when the
distance between driver and driven shaft is very large. Power is transmitted from one shaft to
another through a number of pulleys. Drive from pulley 1 to pulley2 is transmitted by belt. The
pulley 2 and pulley3 are mounted on same shaft hence they rotate with same speed. The drive
from pulley 3 to pulley 4 is transmitted using belt.

Difference between Open and Cross belt drive

Sr.No. Open belt drive Cross belt drive
Low velocity ratio due to less angle of High velocity ratio due to more angle of
1
contact between belt and pulley contact between belt and pulley
Driver and driven pulleys rotates in same Driver and driven pulleys rotates in
2
direction. opposite direction to each other.
3 Length of belt is less Length of belt is more
4 Angle of contact is less Angle of contact is more
Application-Used in factories and Application- Used in factories and
5
workshops. workshops.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Velocity Ratio of Belt Drive

It is the ratio between the velocities of the driver and the follower or driven.
Velocity ratio for belt drive is given below

Fig . Belt drive

Figure shows driver and driven pulleys are connected by belt.
Let d1 and d2 – Diameter of pulley 1 and 2 respectively.
N1 and N2 – Speed of pulley 1 and 2 respectively
The velocity of belt passes over driver = The velocity of belt passes over driven
pulley 1 in one minute pulley 2 in one minute
π d1N1 = π d2 N2
d 1 N1 = d 2 N2

N1 d2
N2 = d1
N2 d1
= ….........Velocity ratio
N1 d2

When thickness (t) of belt is considered then Velocity ratio

N2 (d1+t)
N1 = (d2+t) ….........Velocity ratio
Velocity ratio for Compound belt drive - A compound belt drive is shown in Figure. It is used
when the distance between driver and driven shaft is very large. Power is transmitted from one
shaft to another through a number of pulleys. Drive from pulley 1 to pulley2 is transmitted by
belt. The pulley 2 and pulley3 are mounted on same shaft hence they rotate with same speed.
The drive from pulley 3 to pulley 4 is is transmitted using belt.

Fig – Compound belt drive

Mr. Sanjay Dalavi, Dept. of Automobile Engg. NPK. Page 5

TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Let d1, d2, d3 and d4 – Diameter of pulley 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively.

N1, N2, N3 and N4 – Speed of pulley 1,2,3 and 4 respectively.
We know that velocity ratio of pulleys 1 and 2,

N2 d1
= ………….1)
N1 d2

Similarly, velocity ratio of pulleys 3 and 4,

N4 d3
= ………….2)
N3 d4

Multiplying equations 1) and 2),

N2 x N4 d1x d3
N1 x N3 = d2x d4
But N2 = N3 because pulley 2 and 3 are mounted on same shaft

N4 d1x d3
N3 = d2x d4
if there are six pulleys, then

N6 d1x d3xd5
N3 = d2x d4xd6
Speed of last driven Product of diameters of drivers
Speed of first driver = Product of diameter of driven

Slip of Belt
Some Forward motion of driver pulley without carrying belt or some forward motion belt
without carrying driven pulley is known as slip of belt.
In the belt drive, the drive from driver shaft to driven shaft is transmitted due to firm frictional
grip between the belts and the pulley. But sometimes, the frictional grip becomes insufficient
and the driver pulley moves forward without carrying the belt with it. Also belt moves forward
without carrying the driven pulley with it. This is called slip of the belt and is generally
expressed as a percentage. The result of the belt slipping is to reduce the velocity ratio of the
drive. As the slipping of the belt is a common phenomenon, thus the belt should never be used
where a definite velocity ratio is of importance (as in the case of hour, minute and second arms
in a watch).
Let s1 % = Slip between the driver and the belt in percentage,
s2 % = Slip between the belt and the driven in percentage.
Total slip(s) = S1 +S2
V1 -Velocity of the belt passing over the driver per minute
V2 - velocity of the belt passing over the driven per minute

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

V2 = V1 –V1 x (S/100)
π d2 N2 = π d1N1 - π d1N1 x (S/100)
d2 N2 = d1N1 - d1N1 x (S/100)
S
d2 N2 = d1N1 (1- )
100

N2 d1 S
= (1- )..............where S = S1+S2
N1 d2 100

If thickness of the belt (t) is considered, then

N2 (d1+t) S
N1 = (d2+t) (1- 100 )

Creep of Belt
When the belt passes from the slack side to the tight side, a certain portion of the belt extends
and it contracts again when the belt passes from the tight side to slack side. Due to these
changes of length, there is a relative motion between the belt and the pulley surfaces. This
relative motion is termed as creep. The total effect of creep is to reduce slightly the speed of
the driven pulley. Considering creep, the velocity ratio is given by

N2 d1 E + √σ2
= x
N1 d2 E + √σ1
σ1 and σ2 = Stress in the belt on the tight and slack side respectively, and
E = Young’s modulus for the material of the belt.

Samarth Polytechnic Belhe, by More A.G.,( Department of Mechanical Engineering) Page 7

TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Length of Belt (L) and angle of contact (ϴ) for open belt drive

Let r1 and r2 = Radii of the larger and smaller pulleys,

x = Distance between the centers of two pulleys (i.e. O1 O2),
L = Total length of the belt,
ϴ = Angle of contact between belt and pulley for Smaller pulley.
Length of belt (L) required to connect pulleyes in open belt drive

Angle of contact between belt and pulley for smaller pulley (ϴ) in open belt drive
From geometry of figure in right angle triangle O1MO2
O1 M
Sinα =
O1O2
O1E–EM
Sinα = O1O2
r1–r2
Sinα = x
r1–r2
α = Sin–1 ( )
x
0
ϴ = 180 - 2α
r1–r2
ϴ = 1800 - 2Sin–1 ( ) ……in degree
x
0 r1–r2 㗑
ϴ = [180 - 2Sin ( –1
)] ……in radian
x 180

Samarth Polytechnic Belhe, by More A.G.,( Department of Mechanical Engineering). Page 8

TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Length of Belt (L) and angle of contact (ϴ) for Cross belt drive

Length of belt (L) required to connect pulleyes in cross belt drive

Angle of contact between belt and pulley for smaller pulley (ϴ) in Cross belt drive
From geometry of figure in right angle triangle O1MO2
O1 M
Sinα =
O1O2

O1E+EM
Sinα = O1O2
r1+r2
Sinα =
x
r1+r2
α = Sin–1 ( )
x

ϴ = 1800 + 2α
r1+r2
ϴ = 1800 + 2Sin–1 ( ) ……in degree
x
r1+r2 㗑
ϴ = [1800 + 2Sin ( –1
)]
……in radian
x 180

Samarth Polytechnic Belhe, by More A.G.,( Department of Mechanical Engineering) Page 9

TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Power Transmitted by a Belt (P)

Figure shows the driving pulley 1 and the driven pulley 2. The driving pulley pulls the belt from
bottom side and delivers to the upper side. Thus the tension in bottom side is grater known as
tight side tension (T1) and the tension in upper side is lower known as Slack side tension (T2).
This tension difference gives effective turning force to driven pulley.
Let T1 and T2 = tight side tension and slack side tension of the belt respectively in Newton’s,
d1 and d2 = Diameter of the driver pulley1 and driven pulley2 respectively.
N1 and N2 = Speed of the driver pulley1 and driven pulley2 respectively.
V = Velocity of the belt in m/s.
d1N1 d2N2
V= 60 = 60
P = Power transmitted by belt in Watt …..(1watt = 1 Nm/s)
Power transmitted by belt (P)
P = (T1 – T2) v

Ratio of Driving Tensions for Flat Belt Drive

T1 㗍0
T2 = e

Ratio of Driving Tensions for V Belt Drive

T1 㗍 0Cosecβ
T2 = e
Where –
T1 – tight side tension of belt, T2 – Slack side tension of belt
μ - Coefficient of friction between belt and pulley
θ - Angle of contact between belt and smaller diameter pulley
β – Half Groove angle of V pulley.

Samarth Polytechnic Belhe, by More A.G.,( Department of Mechanical Engineering). Page 10

TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Centrifugal Tension
In belt drive, the belt continuously runs over the pulleys, therefore, some centrifugal force is
developed in belt, whose effect is to increase the tension on both, tight as well as the slack
sides. The tension Developed by centrifugal force is called centrifugal tension.
At lower belt speeds (less than 10 m/s), the centrifugal tension is very small, but at higher
belt speeds (more than 10 m/s), its effect is considerable and thus should be taken into
account.Centrifugal tension (Tc) given by
Tc = mv2 Tc = mv2
Where m = Mass of the belt per unit length in kg,
V = Linear velocity of the belt in m/s and
TC = Centrifugal tension in belt.

Maximum Tension in the Belt

Figure shows the flat belt subjected to maximum tension T, due to maximum tension T , the
stress will developed into the belt cross section
We know that stress (σ) in the belt,
T
Stress = maximum tension
σ= T=σbt
Cross section of belt bxt
When centrifugal tension (Tc) is neglected then
T = T1
When centrifugal tension (Tc) is considering then
T = T1 + Tc

Condition for the Transmission of Maximum Power

When the power transmitted is maximum then centrifugal tension developed in belt is 1/3rd of
the maximum tension.
OR
When the power transmitted is maximum, 1/3rd of the maximum tension is absorbed as
centrifugal tension.
1
T = 3Tc or Tc = ( ) Tc OR T = 3 mv 2 OR Tc = 1/3 T
3

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Initial Tension in the Belt

Initial tension is tension in belt when pulleys are stationary.
When a belt is wound round the two pulleys (i.e. driver and follower), its two ends are joined
together ; so that the belt may continuously move over the pulleys, since the motion of the belt
from the driver and the follower is governed by a firm grip, due to friction between the belt and
the pulleys. In order to increase this grip, the belt is tightened up. At this stage, even when the
pulleys are stationary, the belt is subjected to some tension, called initial tension.
Let T0 = Initial tension in the belt,
T1 = Tension in the tight side of the belt and T2 = Tension in the slack side of the belt, and
Initial tension neglecting centrifugal tension
T1+T2
To = 2
Initial tension considering centrifugal tension
T1+T2+2TC
To = 2

Timing belt

A timing belt is usually a toothed belt. The belt has teeth on the inside surface. Timing pulleys
have evenly spaced axial grooves cut in their periphery to make correct, positive engagement
with the mating teeth of the belt. Pitch is the distance between groove centers and is measured
on the pulley pitch circle. These pulleys are designed so that the teeth of the belt enter and
leave the groove with negligible friction. Timing belt is a positive drive because there is no slip
between belt and pulley.
Application of Timing belt – timing belt and timing pulleys are used to transmit motion from
crankshaft to camshaft.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Types or Classification of Gears

Gears are classified – 1) According to position of axes of shaft

2) According to peripheral velocity of gear
3) According to types of gearing

1) Classified of gears According to position of axes of shaft

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

A) Spur gear – spur gears are used to connect parallel shafts. The teeth of spur gears are
parallel to axis of shaft. Advantages – They are simple in construction, easy to manufacture and
low in cost. Disadvantages - They are heavy in construction and produce more noise during
power transmission.
B) Helical gear – Helical gears are used to connect parallel shafts. The teeth of helical gears are
inclined to axis of shaft. Advantages – They are Smooth in operation, less noisy & used to heavy
load transmission. Disadvantages – They are complicated in construction and costly.
C) Herringbone gear (Double helical gear) – Double helical gear is known as herringbone gear.
The herringbone gears have right and left helix teeth cut on same blank which eliminates axial
thrust in one direction. They are used for heavy load transmission.
D) Rack and Pinion – the pinion is Spur gear and rack is straight line gear. Rack and pinions are
used to convert rotary motion into reciprocating and vice versa.
E) Bevel gears – Bevel gears are used to connect intersecting and non parallel shafts. If the
teeth of bevel gears are straight then it is known as straight bevel gear and if the teeth of bevel
gears are curved then it is known as spiral bevel gear.
F) Worm and worm wheel – It is used to connect non parallel and non intersecting shafts. It is
used to large speed reduction up to 100: 1. It is used in indexing mechanism.
G) Hypoid gear – these are similar to spiral bevel gear but with non intersecting shaft axes. The
offset between shafts is shown in figure.
H) Skew gears – Skew gears are also known as cross helical gears and they are used to connect
non parallel and non-intersecting shafts.

2. Classification of gears According to the type of gearing.

The gears, according to the type of gearing are (a) External gearing, (b) Internal gearing
In external gearing, the gears of the two shafts mesh externally with each other as shown in Fig.
The larger of these two wheels is called spur wheel and the smaller wheel is called pinion. In
internal gearing, the gears of the two shafts mesh internally with each other as shown in Fig.
The larger of these two wheels is called annular wheel and the smaller wheel is called pinion.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

3. Classification of gears According to the peripheral velocity of the gears

The gears, according to the peripheral velocity are
(a) Low velocity, (b) Medium velocity and (c) High velocity gear.
The gears having velocity less than 3 m/s are known as low velocity gears and gears having
velocity between 3 and 15 m/s are known as medium velocity gears. If the velocity of gears is
more than 15 m/s, then these are called high speed gears.

Terms used in Spur Gear or Gear Terminology

1. Pitch circle - It is an imaginary circle on the gear about which it may be supposed to roll
without slipping with pitch circle of another gear.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

2. Pitch circle diameter - It is the diameter of the pitch circle. The size of the gear is usually
specified by the pitch circle diameter. It is also known as pitch diameter.
3. Pitch point - It is a common point of contact between two pitch circles.
4. Pitch surface - It is the surface of the rolling discs which the meshing gears have replaced at
the pitch circle.
5. Pressure angle or angle of obliquity - It is the angle between the common normal to two
gear teeth at the point of contact and the common tangent at the pitch point. It is usually
denoted by φ. The standard pressure angles are 1 2 14 ° and 20°.
6. Addendum - It is the radial distance of a tooth from the pitch circle to the top of the tooth.
7. Dedendum - It is the radial distance of a tooth from the pitch circle to the bottom of the
tooth.
8. Addendum circle -It is the circle drawn through the top of the teeth and is concentric with
the pitch circle.
9. Dedendum circle - It is the circle drawn through the bottom of the teeth. It is also called root
circle.
10. Circular pitch - It is the distance measured on the circumference of the pitch circle from a
point of one tooth to the corresponding point on the next tooth. It is usually denoted by P c.
Mathematically,
Circular pitch (Pc) = π D/T
Where D = Diameter of the pitch circle, and
T = Number of teeth on the wheel.
11. Diametral pitch -It is the ratio of number of teeth to the pitch circle diameter in millimetres.
It is denoted by pd .
Mathematically, (Pd) = T/D Where T = Number of teeth, and D = Pitch circle diameter.
12. Module - It is the ratio of the pitch circle diameter in millimeters to the number of teeth. It
is usually denoted by m.
Mathematically, Module (m) = D /T
Note: The recommended series of modules in Indian Standard are 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6,
8, 10, 12, 16, and 20.
13. Clearance - It is the radial distance from the top of the tooth to the bottom of the tooth, in
a meshing gear. A circle passing through the top of the meshing gear is known as clearance
circle.
14. Backlash - It is the difference between the tooth space and the tooth thickness, as
measured along the pitch circle. Theoretically, the backlash should be zero, but in actual
practice some backlash must be allowed to prevent jamming of the teeth due to tooth errors
and thermal expansion.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Gear trains – Gear train is a combination of one or more gears used to transmit the power
from one shaft to another shaft by meshing the gear to each other.
Types of Gear Trains
Following are the four types of gear trains
1. Simple gear train, 2. Compound gear train, 3. Revertedgear train, and 4. Epicyclic gear train.

Train value of gear train –The ratio of the speed of the driven gear to the speed of the driver
gear is known as train value of the gear train.
Speed or Velocity ratio of gear train – The ratio of the speed of the driver gear to the speed of
the driven gear is known as Speed or Velocity ratio of the gear train.

Simple Gear Train

When there is only one gear on each shaft then it is known as simple gear train. The gears are
represented by their pitch circles. The driver gear 1 in mesh with intermediate gear 2 and gear
2 in mesh with driven gear 3. When driver gear 1 rotates then intermediate gear 2 rotates in
opposite direction of gear 1 and gear 3 rotates in same direction of gear 1.

Fig. Simple Gear train

Let N1, N2 & N3 are the speed of gear 1, 2 & 3 respectively.
d1, d2 & d3 are the diameter of gear 1, 2 & 3 respectively.
T1, T2 & T3 are the teeth on gear 1, 2 & 3 respectively.
Let find train
Peripheral velocity of meshing gears 1 and gear 2 is same.
Peripheral velocity of gear 1 = Peripheral velocity of gear 2
π d1N1 = π d2 N2
d1 N1 = d2 N2

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

N1 d2
N2 = d1
N1 T2 T2
…...............................because { d1 = }....d2/d1=T2/T1
= T1 d2 T1
N2
T1................................
N2
= (1) ……Train value
N1 T2

Similarly train value for gear 2 and gear 3

N3 T2
= ……………………(2)
N2 T3

Multiplying equation (1) and (2)

N2 N3 T1 T2
N1 x N2 = T2 x T3
N3 T1
= …...............train value
N1 T3

N1 T3
= ….............Speed or Velocity ratio
N3 T1
Speed of driven No.of teeth on driver
Train value = =
Speed of driver No.of teeth on driven

Speed or Velocity ratio = Speed of driver No.of teeth on driven

=
Speed of driven No.of teeth on driver
Above equations shows that the intermediate gears in simple gear train do not affects on train
value or velocity ratio. Intermediate gears are only used to change the direction of rotation.
Application – Simple gear trains is used to transmit drive from crankshaft to camshaft and oil
pump in I.C engines.

Compound Gear Train

When more than one gear is mounted on shaft then it is called a compound gear train.
The gear 2 and gear 3 are mounted on same shaft so they are compound gears, also gear 4 and
gear 5 mounted on same shaft so they are compound gears. The gear 1 drives the gear 2; the
gear 2 and gear 3 are mounted on the same shaft so they have same speed. The gear 3 drives
the gear 4; the gear 4 and gear 5 are mounted on same shaft so they have same speed. The
gear 5 drives the gear 6, in this way the drive from gear 1 is transmitted to gear 6.
Let
N1, N2, N3, N4, N5 and N6 are the speed of gear 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively.
T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 are the teeth on gear 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Figure – Compound gear Train

Train value for gear1 and gear2
N2
T1................................
N1 = T2 (1)
Train value for gear3 and gear4
N4
T3................................
N3 = T4 (2)
Train value for gear 5and gear 6
N6
T5................................
N5 = T6 (3)
Multiplying equation (1), (2) and (3)
N2 N4 N6 T1 T3 T5
N1 x N3 x N5 = T2 x T4 x T6
N6 T1 T3 T5
= x x ….......train value
N1 T2 T4 T6

N1 T2 T4
T6 = x x …............Speed or Velocity ratio
N6 T1 T3 T5

Application – compound gear trains is used in sliding mesh, constant mesh & synchromesh
gear boxes. Gear drives in lathe & drilling machine.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Reverted Gear Train

When the axes of the first gear (i.e. first driver) and the last gear (i.e. last driven or follower) are
co-axial, then the gear train is known as reverted gear train. Reverted gear train is shown in
Figure. The gear 1 drives the gear 2 in the opposite direction. Since the gears 2 and 3 are
mounted on the same shaft, so the speed of gear 2 and gear 3 is same. The gear 3 drives the
gear 4. Direction of rotation of Gear 4 and gear 1 is same.

Figure- Reverted gear train

Let
N1, N2, N3, N4, N5 and N6 are the speed of gear 1, 2 & 3 respectively.
T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 are the teeth on gear 1, 2 & 3 respectively.
Train value for gear1 and gear2
N2
T1................................
N1 = T2 (1)
Train value for gear3 and gear4
N4
T3................................
N3 = T4 (2)
Multiplying equation (1) and (2)
N2 N4 T1 T3
N1 x N3 = T2 x T4
N4 T1 T3
= x ….......train value
N1 T2 T4

N1 T2 T4
= x …............Speed or Velocity ratio
N4 T1 T3

Application - The reverted gear trains are used in automotive transmissions, lathe back gears,
industrial speed reducers, and in clocks.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Epicyclic Gear Train

Figure - Epicyclic Gear Train

in an epicyclic gear train, the axes of the shafts, over which the gears are mounted, can move
relative to a fixed axis. A simple epicyclic gear train is shown in Figure, where gear A and the
arm C have a common axis at O1 about which they can rotate. The gear B meshes with gear A
and has its axis on the arm C at O2, about which the gear B can rotate. If the arm is fixed, the
gear train is simple gear train and gear A can drive gear B or vice- versa, but if gear A is fixed
and the arm is rotated about the axis of gear A (i.e. O1), then the gear B is forced to rotate upon
and around gear A. Such a motion is called epicyclic and the gear trains arranged in such a
manner that one or more of their members move upon and around another member are
known as epicyclic gear trains (epi. means upon and cyclic means around). The epicyclic gear
trains may be simple or compound. The epicyclic gear trains are useful for transmitting high
velocity ratios with gears of moderate size in a comparatively lesser space.
Application - The epicyclic gear trains are used in the back gear of lathe, differential gears of
the automobiles, hoists, pulley blocks, wrist watches etc.

Law of gearing –

Figure – Law of gearing for meshing gears.

In order to obtain a constant angular velocity ratio for meshing gears, the common normal at
the point of contact between a pair of teeth must always pass through the pitch point.
This is the fundamental condition must be satisfied while designing the profiles for the teeth of
gear. It is also known as law of gearing.

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 TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Chain drive

Advantages and Disadvantages of Chain Drive over Belt

Following are the advantages and disadvantages of chain drive over belt or rope drive :
Advantages
1. As no slip takes place in chain drive, hence perfect velocity ratio is obtained.
2. It requires less space (Compact drive).
3. The chain drive is suitable when the distance between the shafts is less.
4. The chain drive gives high transmission efficiency (up to 98 per cent).
5. The chain drive gives less load on the shafts.
Disadvantages
1. The manufacturing cost of chains is high.
2. The chain drive needs accurate mounting and careful maintenance.
3. The chain drive requires lubrication.
4. the chain drive is noisy.

Selection of chain and sprocket wheel in chain drive

The selection of chain and sprocket wheel depends upon the following factors.
1. Power, torque and speed to be transmitted from driver to driven shaft.
2. Central distance between shafts.
3. Available space dimensions for drive mounting.
4. Position of drive (horizontal or vertical)
5. Type of load on drive – Smooth, moderate and heavy load.
6. Service condition – Average working hours per day.
7. Working conditions – type of environment (corrosive, wet, dusty etc.) i.e cover to be needed.
8. Method of lubrication.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Methods of lubrication in chain drive

Lubrication is required in chain drive for smooth working of drive. Life of chain drive increases
due to lubrication. Following methods are used for chain drive lubrication.
1) Manual lubrication, 2)Drip lubrication, 3)Bath lubrication 4)Disc lubrication and 5)Forced
feed lubrication

Drain plug

1. Manual lubrication – In drip lubrication oil is applied on a chain with a brush or spout can at
least once in every 8 hours of working. Quantity and frequency of oil should be sufficient to
prevent overheating and rust.
2. Drip lubrication – In drip lubrication oil continuously dripped on to the upper side of chain.
Usually 4 to 20 or more drops of oil per minute. Quantity and frequency of oil should be
sufficient to prevent overheating and rust.
3. Bath lubrication – In bath lubrication, chain runs through oil sump into the oil. The oil level
should be maintained up to pitch line of chain to avoid overheating and rust.
4. Disc lubrication – In disc lubrication, the chain runs over oil level. The disc picks oil from the
sump and deposits onto the chain. The disc diameter should be proper to pick up oil effectively.
5. Forced feed lubrication – In forced feed lubrication the oil is sucked with the help of oil
pump and deposits on the chain. The forced feed lubrication is shown in figure.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Problems on belt drive

Example -A pulley of 30cm diameter drives a pulley of 150cm diameter by means of belt which
is 2cm thick. The driving pulley rotates at 300rpm. Find the speed of driven pulley in the
following cases.
1) Neglecting thickness of belt
2) Considering thickness of belt.
3) Considering the thickness of belt and slip 2% on the driver and slip of 3% on driven pulley.

1) Speed of driven pulley (N2) Neglecting thickness of belt (t)

N2 d2
=
N1 d1

N2 = d1
x N1
d2

N2 = 300
x300
1500
N2= 60rpm
2) Speed of driven pulley (N2) considering thickness of belt (t)
N2 d2 + t
=
N1 d1 + t

N2 = (d1 + t)
x N1
(d2 + t)
(300 + 20)
N2 = x300
(1500 + 20)
N2= 63.16 rpm
2) Speed of driven pulley (N2) considering thickness of belt (t), slip S1= 2% and S2=3%
N2 (d2 + t) S
= x(1 − )
N1 (d1 + t) 100
(d2 + t)
S1 + s2
N2 = x (1 ) xN1
− ( d1 + t ) 100
(300 + 20) 2+3
N2 = x (1 ) x300
(1500 + 20) 100
−

N2= 60.034 rpm

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Example -The power is transmitted from a pulley 1 m diameter running at 200 r.p.m. to a pulley
2.25 m diameter by means of a belt. Find the speed lost by the driven pulley as a result of
creep, if the stress on the tight and slack side of the belt is 1.4 MPa and 0.5 MPa respectively.
The Young’s modulus for the material of the belt is 100 MPa.

Example -Find the power transmitted by a belt running over a pulley of 600 mm diameter at
200 r.p.m. The coefficient of friction between the belt and the pulley is 0.25, angle of lap 160°
and maximum tension in the belt is 2500 N.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Example -A casting weighing 9 kN hangs freely from a rope which makes 2.5 turns round a
drum of 300 mm diameter revolving at 20 r.p.m. The other end of the rope is pulled by a man.
The coefficient of friction is 0.25. Determine 1. The force required by the man, and 2.The power
to raise the casting.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Example -Two pulleys, one 450 mm diameter and the other 200 mm diameter are on parallel
shafts 1.95 m apart and are connected by a crossed belt. Find the length of the belt required
and the angle of contact between the belt and each pulley.
What power can be transmitted by the belt when the larger pulley rotates at 200 rev/min, if the
maximum permissible tension in the belt is 1 kN, and the coefficient of friction between the
belt and pulley is 0.25?

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Example. - A shaft rotating at 200 r.p.m. drives another shaft at 300 r.p.m. and transmits 6 kW
through a belt. The belt is 100 mm wide and 10 mm thick. The distance between the shafts is
4m.The smaller pulley is 0.5 m in diameter. Calculate the stress in the belt, if it is an open belt
drive, Take μ = 0.3.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Example - A leather belt is required to transmit 7.5 kW from a pulley 1.2 m in diameter, running
at 250 r.p.m. The angle embraced is 165° and the coefficient of friction between the belt and
the pulley is 0.3. If the safe working stress for the leather belt is 1.5 MPa, density of leather 1
Mg/m3 and thickness of belt 10 mm, determine the width of the belt taking centrifugal tension
into account.

2.375T2 -T2 =477.4 1.375T2 =477.4 T2=347.2N

N

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Example A pulley is driven by a flat belt, the angle of lap being 120°. The belt is 100mm wide by 6 mm
thick and density1000 kg/m3. If the coefficient of friction is 0.3 and the maximum stress in the belt is not to
exceed 2 MPa, .find the greatest power which the belt can transmit and the corresponding speed of the
belt.

We know that T= 3Tc T = 3 mv 2

2
v = T/3m

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Example.- In a flat belt drive the initial tension is 2000 N. The coefficient of friction between the
belt and the pulley is 0.3 and the angle of lap on the smaller pulley is 150°. The smaller pulley
has a radius of 200 mm and rotates at 500 r.p.m. Find the power in kW transmitted by the belt.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Example Two parallel shafts, whose centre lines are 4.8 m apart, are connected by open belt
drive. The diameter of the larger pulley is 1.5 m and that of smaller pulley 1 m. The initial
tension in the belt when stationary is 3 kN. The mass of the belt is 1.5 kg / m length. The
coefficient of friction between the belt and the pulley is 0.3. Taking centrifugal tension into
account, calculate the power transmitted, when the smaller pulley rotates at 400 r.p.m.

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Example A belt drive consists of two V-belts in parallel, on grooved pulleys of the same size. The angle
of the groove is 30°. The cross-sectional area of each belt is 750 mm2 and μ. = 0.12. The density of the
belt material is 1.2 Mg/m3 and the maximum safe stress in the material is 7 MPa. Calculate the power that
can be transmitted between pulleys 300 mm diameter rotating at 1500 r.p.m.

T = T1 + Tc

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TOM (22438) UNIT 4- Belt, Chain and Gear drives

Example - Power is transmitted using a V-belt drive. The included angle of V-groove is 30°. The
belt is 20 mm deep and maximum width is 20 mm. If the mass of the belt is 0.35 kg per metre
length and maximum allowable stress is 1.4 MPa, determine the maximum power transmitted
when the angle of lap is 140°. μ = 0.15.

2
T = 3mv 2 v =T/3m

Samarth Polytechnic Belhe, by More A.G.,( Department of Mechanical Engineering) Page 34