Fatigue Damage Prediction in Synchronous Belts

Abstract

The mechanics of cords is analyzed under simple bending to understand the fatigue failure mechanism of synchronous belts. A simplified beam model of synchronous belt bending is then proposed to calculate the amount of curvature under conditions of torque transmission. Especially the effect of friction force at the working flank is taken into account to explain the difference of damage accumulation between the driving-entry and driven-exit partial meshings. Finally, fatigue life prediction is carried out based on the calculated curvature under driving-contact and driven-contact fatigue failure conditions.