Calculating Pulley and Shaft Loads for an Existing System

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating loads on a pulley and shaft system, specifically focusing on torque and force relationships in the context of an existing mechanical setup. Participants explore the implications of pulley dimensions, motor specifications, and the adequacy of a locking device.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires whether the force at the pulley outer diameter can be calculated using the breakdown torque and pulley diameter.
  • Another participant clarifies that the radius, not the diameter, should be used to calculate the force, providing a calculation that results in 930 N.
  • A subsequent post questions the relationship between the locking device torque and the pulley torque, seeking clarification on how to determine the torque at the locking device.
  • Further clarification is provided that torque is independent of radius until converting to linear force, and that the pulley torque, shaft torque, and locking device torque are all interconnected.
  • It is noted that the breakdown torque is significantly lower than the locking device's rated torque, suggesting that the locking device should be adequate.
  • One participant mentions that the belts are pre-tensioned, indicating that the calculated force reflects the difference in tension between the two sides of the belt.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the calculation methods and the relationships between torque and force in the system. There is no consensus on how to determine the torque at the locking device, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of the locking device's torque calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of using the correct radius for calculations and the need for additional information about the locking surface radius to fully determine the tangential force at the locking device. The discussion also reflects assumptions about the adequacy of the locking device based on the breakdown torque.

Stephen123
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Hi, i need to do a pulley/shaft check on an existing system.

Pulley is 840mm diameter and the motor has 47kw and 390 nm breakdown torque so to find the force from the belt can i assume that the force at the pulley o.d. distance is the force? So 390*0.84 will give the torque at that distance?

I also need to check that the shaft to pulley locking device is adequate. I have the rated Nm of the locking device but how do i find the load torque through the locking device?

Thanks.
 
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Stephen123 said:
So 390*0.84 will give the torque at that distance?
For pulley torque or force, the pulley radius is needed, not the pulley diameter.
Force at pulley radius is 390 Nm / 0.42 m = 930 N.
You should not need to know the locking device or shaft diameter. The locking device torque will be the same as the pulley torque.
 
Baluncore said:
For pulley torque or force, the pulley radius is needed, not the pulley diameter.
Force at pulley radius is 390 Nm / 0.42 m = 930 N.
You should not need to know the locking device or shaft diameter. The locking device torque will be the same as the pulley torque.

When you say the locking device torque will be the same as the pulley torque, what do you mean by pulley torque? The locking device locks the shaft to the pulley and is rated for 12,000Nm of torque. How can i actually find what the torque at the locking device is?

Thanks
 
Torque is independent of radius until you need to convert it to a linear force.
Tangential (force in Newtons) * (radius in metres) = (torque in Newton∙metres), Nm.

Stephen123 said:
When you say the locking device torque will be the same as the pulley torque, what do you mean by pulley torque?
The tension in the belt measured in Newton, N, multiplied by the radius of the pulley, is the pulley torque. Since all parts are connected together the pulley torque, shaft torque and the locking device torque are all the same.

To work out the tangential force at the locking device you need the radius of the locking surface, but that is NOT needed in your example.
The 390 Nm breakdown torque is significantly less than the lock rating of 12 kNm so there should be no problem.
 
Baluncore said:
Torque is independent of radius until you need to convert it to a linear force.
Tangential (force in Newtons) * (radius in metres) = (torque in Newton∙metres), Nm.The tension in the belt measured in Newton, N, multiplied by the radius of the pulley, is the pulley torque. Since all parts are connected together the pulley torque, shaft torque and the locking device torque are all the same.

To work out the tangential force at the locking device you need the radius of the locking surface, but that is NOT needed in your example.
The 390 Nm breakdown torque is significantly less than the lock rating of 12 kNm so there should be no problem.

I understand what you mean now Baluncore, that makes sense. Thank you for the help!
 
In case it matters...belts are pre-tensioned. The force calculated above is the difference in tension between the two sides of the belt.
 
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