Coupling DC Motors with Timing Belt: Vibration Concerns?

[robs314]

Just a short question.

As part of a dyno project, I am coupling two dc motors together with a timing belt. To allow the same rig to be used for different test motors, I am considering mounting this (test) motor on a table, which can be positioned in two directions on leadscrews. This would allow the same timing belt to be used.

Is this a sensible idea from a vibration/stress concentration point of view?
My reservations are that vibration will cause the table to creep towards the other motor.

Thanks

 

[edgepflow]

You could consider vibration dampeners which are just basically small square neoprene rubber sheets under the motor mounting shoes. I don't know if this will do enough good, however.

 

[robs314]

Thanks for your reply

Would you say, in your opinion, that mounting a motor on a leadscrew-based table is likely to lead to premature failure of the leadscrew due to vibration + stress concentration?

I'm still inclined to go ahead with it, simply because it allows so much flexibility in terms of fitting different motors. I'm thinking of only using lead screws to adjust the motor under test in the direction parallel to the motors, and not on the axis between the shafts (ie not to bring them together). An adjustable idling pulley (on a leadscrew again!) will take up the slack when a smaller pulley is used on the Motor Under Test side.

Thanks for your help

 

[edgepflow]

Vibration dampeners and also a flexable coupling will definitely help. I think you could make it last a reasonable period if these components are selected carefully.