The Analytical Method for Calculating the Hysteretic Behavior of an Asymmetry Tensioner

An automatic tensioner with an asymmetric damping structure used in an engine front end accessory drive system is analyzed. An analytical model is established to calculate the hysteretic behavior of the tensioner. The contact characteristics of contact pairs are modeled and investigated for disclosing relation between contact pair, friction and hysteretic loop of an automatic belt tensioner. The presented models are validated by a torque measurement versus angular displacement of a tensioning arm. The errors between the calculation and the measurement are analyzed. The working torques of the tensioner during loading and unloading process are described by a bilinear hysteretic model and are written as a function with a damping ratio. The influence of damping structure parameters on the hysteretic torque is investigated. The method presented in this paper can be used for predicting the nonlinear characteristics of a tensioner before prototyping.