The V-belt drive is also called a friction drive. The shape of the V-belt is somewhat trapezoidal. The pulleys also have tapered sides forming v groove in which the belt sits thus V-belt does not get many possibilities to slide away from the pulleys. Let us have a deep insight into the pros and cons of V-belt drive in this article.
Advantages of V-belt drive :
- Positive drive as slip between belt and pulley is negligible.
- No joint troubles as V-belt are made endless.
- Operation is smooth and quiet.
- High-velocity ratio up to 10 can be obtained.
- It can be easily installed and removed.
- Due to wedging action in the grooves, limiting ratio of tensions is higher and thus, more power transmission.
- It may be operated in either direction with a tight side at the top or bottom.
- Multiple V-belt drives increase the power transmission manifold.
- Slip between the belt and the pulley is negligible.
- The axis can be vertical or horizontal or inclined.
- They can dampen vibration.
Disadvantages of V-belt drive :
- It can not be used for large centre distances.
- In V-belt construction of pulleys is not simple.
- V-belt is not as durable as a flat belt.
- It costlier as compared to the flat belt.
- V-belt drive can't be used for long distances due to a greater weight per unit of length.
- It may be not applicable to synchronous machines because they are not free from creep.
- The centrifugal tension prevents the use of belts at speeds below 5 m/s and above 50 m/s.