Tension distribution in multiple V-belt drives

Determination of the tension distribution in a multiple V-belt drive represents a statically indeterminate problem. The analysis can be split into four parts viz: initial tension, torque transmission, tension distribution and statistics. Here a unified theory is presented based on reasonable assumptions. Focus is directed to the maximum belt tension. Simulations have been performed with measured data. Non-linearities caused by gross slip seem to have a minor influence. A simple approximation is presented which sufficiently well fits the simulated results.