Evaluation of the Thermal Stability and Surface Characteristics of Thermoplastic Polyurethane V-Belt

Abstract

This article proposes thermography as a non-contact diagnostic tool for assessing drive reliability. The application of this technique during the operation of the belt transmission with a heat-welded thermoplastic polyurethane V-belt was presented. The V-belt temperature changes depending on the braking torque load at different values of the rotational speed of the active pulley, which were adopted as diagnostic characteristics. In this paper, the surface morphology of the polyurethane (PU) belts was assessed on the basis of microscopic and hardness tests. A surface roughness tester was used to evaluate the surface wear. The surface morphology and topography of the materials was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy. It was found that the most favorable operating conditions occurred when the temperature values of active and passive connectors were similar and the temperature difference between them was small. The mechanical and structure results indicate that the wear of the PU belt was slight, which provided stability and operational reliability for V-belt transmission. The microscopic images lacked clear traces of cracks and scratches on the surface, which was confirmed by the SEM observations.

Magnetorheological Elastomer Stress Relaxation Behaviour during Compression: Experiment and Modelling

“…The tests of Wan et al from 2018 show that the glass transition of magnetorheological samples, manufactured on the basis of silicone rubber, at uniaxial compression occurs at the temperature of approximately 50 • C. The value of storage modulus points to two different trends, occurring along with temperature changes: at first it rapidly declines and then slightly increases, or maintains a constant value, as the temperature increases [22]. Systems that will use MRE can heat up as a result of heat radiating from co-operating devices, e.g., drive units [23], gearboxes [24], or working mechanisms [25]. Energy dissipation (resulting from regular operation) also increases the temperature of polymer materials, due to the occurrence of internal friction [26].…”

Geometric Specification of Non-Circular Pulleys Made with Various Additive Manufacturing Techniques

“…For this reason, there is a need for improving or create novelty of the techniques of pulleys production, such as, e.g., additive methods as alternative techniques of producing non-circular pulleys-toothed wheels. The selection of the appropriate manufacturing technique has a significant impact on the geometrical parameters of the wheels as well as the durability and wear of the traction gear [ 5 , 6 ]. As well as in and load transfer technology, transport and control, it’s important to minimize the other errors such as, e.g., roundness error of the pulleys during the manufacturing stage for drive operation.…”

Chemical compounds released by combustion of polymer composites flat belts

“…However, there is little up-to-date information regarding the effects of high temperature on this type of band and its resistance to combustion. During the transmission operation, the belts are exposed to high temperature as a result of damage to machine components or external factors 9 – 11 . For example, there may be a seizure and stoppage of the snub pulleys or intermediate pulleys, which change the nature of the interaction between the pulley and the belt from rolling to sliding friction 12 .…”

“…Only V-belts, which are mainly used as transmission bands, not as conveyor belts, have been tested. Research has shown that these belts pose a serious threat to human life and health during a fire 10 , 11 . Therefore, it is necessary to try and use materials with relatively low impact on the environment to maintain the standards for the emission of harmful compounds described in documents and scientific works on fire protection 17 , 18 .…”