Wear of timing belt drives

Abstract

The timing belt drives are synchronous drives that transmit power and motion via side surfaces of belt teeth and, partially, through friction between belt teeth and belt pulley teeth. Failure of the timing belt drives occurs due to wear of its components. Analysis of process of friction, as a main cause of wear, is conducted based on coupling kinematics. During exploitation, changes of the basic geometrical values of the timing belt occur. Changes that appear are direct consequence of friction on the contact surfaces that manifests itself through abrasion and roller wear. Change of some values leads to the reduction of nominal contact surface, which, consequently, leads to larger teeth loads, unevenness of operation, reduction of efficiency, reduction of the carrying capacity and shorter operation time due to failure.