Influence of Clearance Between Plates in Metal Pushing V-Belt Dynamics

This paper proposes a one-dimensional continuous model of the steel pushing V-belt, which describes the shifting dynamics of the CVT transmission during rapid speed ratio variations. The model investigates the influence of the clearance among the steel segments on the belt dynamics. The plates and pulleys strain motion is neglected, with respect to their rigid body motion, for the evaluation of the friction forces. The power transmission is assured only if an active arc exists where the plates are pressed against each other and where compressive forces arise among the steel segments. Conversely on the idle arc the steel plates are separated and no longitudinal compressive forces exist among the metal segments. The paper shows a significant difference in dynamical behavior between the drive and the driven pulley. Moreover, differences also exist between the pitch radius increasing phases and pitch radius decreasing phases.