Calculate Belt Drive Mechanics with Sheaves of Different Diameters

What are the specific steps to calculate the center distance of a drive utilizing a 72in. belt with sheaves of 5in. and 12in. diameters?

1.) The magnitude of the VR for belt drive is _____. (Assume the 12in sheave is mounted on the motor shaft)
2.) The magnitude of the distance between the centers of the shafts is _____ in.
3.) The magnitude of the smaller "ideal range center distance" is _____ in. (Consider the ideal range for the center distances between the shafts.)
4.) The magnitude of the larger "ideal range center distance" is _____ in. (Consider the ideal range for the center distances between the shafts.)
5.) The correctly calculated center distance for the 72in belt falls OUTSIDE the "ideal center distance" range. (TRUE/FALSE)
6.) The magnitude of the angle of contact around the smaller sheave is _____ degrees.
7.) The magnitude of the angle of contact around the larger sheave is _____ degrees.

Answer:

The question requires formulas for belt mechanics that were not provided, therefore we cannot accurately calculate the required distances or angles of contact for the sheaves in the belt drive system.

Explanation: When calculating belt drives and related mechanics, we need to use formulas that involve the diameters of the sheaves (pulleys), the length of the belt, and the center distance between the two sheaves. The information provided does not include an explicit step-by-step process or exact formulas for such calculations, and without those specific formulas, we cannot give precise numerical results.

Generally, for a two-sheave system with a known belt length, the center distance is determined through the belt length formula which considers the diameters of the sheaves and the angles of contact. The ideal center distance typically ranges from the diameter of the larger sheave to about three times this diameter, ensuring sufficient engagement of the belt with both sheaves for effective power transmission.

The angle of contact on the smaller sheave and the larger sheave is affected by the center distance and the diameters of the sheaves. The angle of contact can be calculated using the geometry of the belt loop and the positions of the sheaves.

Without proper formulas and specific methods for the given system, we cannot provide the magnitude of the VR for belt drive, the exact center distances, the angles of contact, nor can we confirm if the calculated center distance for the 72in belt falls within or outside the ideal range. It is also important to note that the student’s query about comparing the center distance to the ideal range indicates that there is an ideal center distance range to consider, but this range is highly specific to the design and operational parameters of a belt drive system.

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