Shifting dynamics of metal pushing V-belt: rapid speed ratio variations

This work concerns with the investigation of transient dynamics of metal pushing V-belt when the pitch radius changes quickly. The metal V-belt consists of wedge-shaped metal plates that are supported by a flexible metal band. Two typologies of metal V-belt exist; one with no clearance among the metal plates and the other with clearance existing among the plates. This chapter investigates the behaviour of the V-belt by taking finto account the effects of clearance presence. One dimensional continuous model of the belt Ïs developed in this work. The model neglects, for what concerns the estimation of the relative velocity between pulley and belt, the effect of plates and pulleys strain motion with respect to rigid one and considers no friction between band and plates. The power transmission is assured only if an attive arc exists where the plates are pressed together and the clearance vanishes. In effect, compression forces have to arise among the metal plates in order to transmit torque. Conversely, on the idle arc the plates are separated and no longitudinal compression forces exist among the plates.