Abstract
This paper examines synchronous belt life through the determination of the life-limiting parameters within a belt drive. Six different belt constructions were life-tested, producing three failure modes: tooth root cracking, cord delamination and fabric separation. The life test results were then correlated to various tooth deflections within the belt run. The results of this examination were then used to draw conclusions about which material properties most influence the belt life. It is concluded that the tooth deflections at entry to and exit from the pulleys are most damaging, and that any material change which will increase the dynamic tooth stiffness will increase the belt life within the three failure modes encountered.
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