Pitch Difference and Belt Tooth Configuration Effect on Load Distribution of Timing Belt Using FEM Analysis

A timing belt used for an automotive engine's camshaft consists of a facing fabric, elastoeric body and glass fibre cords. These materials show significant non-linear characteristics. Therefore, a model of the timing belt was analyzed using ABAQUS (: a general non-linear finite element program). As a result, the mechanism that generates the belt load distribution was successfully confirmed by calculation. It was found that the pitch difference existing between the timing belt and pulley, and belt tooth configuration both have a large affect on load distribution of toothed belts.

This paper reports the development of an analytical model which shows the effects of pitch difference and pulley tooth configuration on belt contact pressure.