Development of Metal Pushing V-Belt Stress Simulation for Continuously Variable Transmission

A simulation method was developed allowing simultaneous evaluation of dynamic behavior and stress for estimation of durability of metal pushing V-belts for CVT. This paper focuses on flexural behavior of the pulley, and the simulation method is newly improved to allow the pulley stiffness to be reflected. As a result, it is found that the flexural stiffness affects the ring impact stress at the pulley entrance and exit. Furthermore, the mechanism of contact between the ring edge and pulley surface or the element due to the ring misalignment caused by the pulley flexion is clarified. For the first time, these results make it possible to obtain a design guideline for the pulley stiffness that includes consideration of belt durability. This paper also refers to newly manufacturing metal V-belts, developed by Honda, which use this simulation to know the influence of some design changes.