Interactive Design Program for Roller-Chain and Synchronous-Belt Drives

The purpose of this paper is to describe and demonstrate a computer program to interactively design roller-chain and synchronous-belt drives. The program allows the user to optimize the power-transmission drive system and has graphics capability to assist in design visualization.

The paper discusses the analysis procedure, design criteria, and the program data base. The analysis procedure and design criteria are based on accepted methodology by the roller-chain and synchronous-belt manufacturers. Governing equations and flow charts are included in the discussion, and three examples are presented to demonstrate the program capabilities and features.