Failure analysis of the timing belt drives

Abstract

This paper refers to testing of timing belt drives. Timing belt drives are relatively young drives that originate from 1950’s. Considering the larger and larger use of timing belts and their limited lifetime, their testing is justified. A large number of factors have influence on timing belt drive’s lifetime: wear, amount of transmitted power, operating environment, coaxiality of shafts and belt pulleys, handling before and during assembly and others. Failure most frequently occurs because of damage of belt’s and belt pulley’s teeth or damage of tractive element due to wear. The paper presents the results of experimental testing of wear and failure of timing belt drives originating from change in their geometrical dimensions. Gained experimental results fully coincide with theoretical assumptions and similar tests around the world.