Today’s lecture - Week 10

“I’m working on the chain gang”

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 1

 Today’s entertainment

“Roller chain manufacture 5 min”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aekApCg_MYQ

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 2

 Brainteaser [1]

When was roller

chain invented?

Leonardo da Vinci’s
1490 sketches from
his Codex Atlanticus

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 3

 Notice one – Week 10 - 2019

ITEM Due time and date where

Homeworks 1 -5 Available on AUT Blackboard Online at AUT Blackboard
Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 9 & 10
Test No 1 Wed of Week 5 Online at AUT Blackboard

Test No 2 Wed of Week 9 Online at AUT Blackboard

Lab Report A due 9pm Sun 01 Sept Week 7 Online at AUT Blackboard
Held in Week 5
Lab Report B Week 10 Online at AUT Blackboard
Held on Fri of
Week 8

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 4

 Notice two – Week 10 - 2019

Homework Due time and date where

1. Acoustics & Clutches Week 2 Online at AUT Blackboard
Mon 9am to Sun 9pm
2. Epicyclic Gearboxes Week 4 Online at AUT Blackboard
Mon 9am to Sun 9pm
3. Mechanisms Week 6 Online at AUT Blackboard
Mon 9am to Sun 9pm
4. Vibrations Week 8 & 9 Online at AUT Blackboard
Mon 9am to Sun 9pm
5. Transmission Elements Week 10 Online at AUT Blackboard
Mon 9am to Sun 9pm

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 5

 Lecture objectives

This lecture on chain drive transmissions is to :

• consider the various elements of chain drive transmission

• examine different types of chain and consider their

applications

And to solve

• basic chain drive selection problems

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 6

 Today’s quote

“A chain is no stronger than its weakest link”

Anon

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 7

 References
• Deutschman, A. A. Michels, W. J. & Wilson, C. E. “Machine
Design Theory and Practice.” 1975. MacMillan

• Hoskins, A.K. and Harris, M.R. “Applied Mechanical

Design” 3rd Ed. 1990. H & H Publishing, Victoria, Australia
pages 10.13 – 10.20

• Shigley, J.E. “Mechanical Engineering Design” 1st metric

Ed. 1986. McGraw Hill

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 -

8
Chain Drives 01
 Chain Drives

Chain (& belt) drives offer maximum flexibility to the

designer in terms of :
• the location of driver & driven elements
• tolerances which are less critical than gear drives

Chain and belt drives are complementary in

application to each other covering between them a
wide range of applications [2, 3]

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 9

 First, how has chain drive evolved?
James Slater Hans Renold
ANSI Standardised
James Watt’s Bowl chain modern roller chain
roller chain 1913
steam engine
Leonardo Da Vinci 1864 1880
Su Song circa 1490 1763
1092
Greek Polybolos Andre Galle
3rd century BC 1829

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 10

 Chain Drives [4]
Roller chain (the most widely used type of chain)

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 11

 Chain Drives

Key advantages of chain drives are:

• the smooth and uniform transfer of power

• quietness
• high efficiency
• and long life [7]

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 12

 Chain Drives
A chain drive’s primary purpose is:

• to transmit power and torque from the primary

mover (engine & driver pinion) to the driven
element (driven pinion & load)
• they use contact forces to transmit torque
• unlike belt drives which rely on friction

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 13

 Chain Drives
Chain drives may be:
• roller chain (most widely used) and can be either
single, duplex or triplex strand
• inverted tooth or silent chain
• bush chain
• cranked link chain
• extended pitch chain

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 14

 Chain Drives [4]
Roller chain (the most widely used type of chain)

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 15

 Chain Drives [5]
Roller chain is available in single, double and treble strands
(single, duplex or triplex)

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 16

 Chain Drives [6]
• Inverted tooth or silent chain
• is quieter and can operate at higher speeds [3]
• very efficient and used for timing IC engines amongst many other applications [7]

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 17

 Chain Drives [8]
• bush chain is similar to roller chain but the rollers are omitted
• used for low speeds or where gumming up of rollers could occur [7]

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 18

 Chain Drives [9]
• cranked link chain is a heavy duty roller chain made in
large sizes for large, heavy machinery [7]

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 19

 Chain Drives [10]
• extended pitch chain, is a light duty roller chain suitable
for rough exposed conditions [7]

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 20

 Chain Drives

The advantages of chain over belt drives:

• no slip (accurate speed ratios)
• high transmitted power (per unit width)
• uniform power transmission
• quieter
• lower bearing loads (as initial tension is lower)
• longer life, up to 20,000 hours if maintained
[3]
© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 21
 Chain Drives – general notes

Successful chain drives depends on correct selection, installation

and maintenance:
• transmission efficiencies up to 99%!
• suitable up to 375 kW and 55 rev/min
• steel chains are usually alloys: nickel, chrome & molybdenum
• other special chain materials are available, but costly e.g. SS,
high temperature resistant alloys ...
[3]

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 22

 Chain Drive elements
Roller chain is made up of:
• outer plates & bearing pins
• inner plates & bushes
• rollers

This assembly is pressed and riveted together

No single component has to withstand both tension and wear

[3]
© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 23
 Chain Drive elements [11]
outer plate and
bearing pins

roller

inner plate
and bushes

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 24

Chain Drive Elements [12]

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 25

 Chain Drive speed
• The speed of a roller chain is limited by the smallest pinion size
• Selection charts are based on a min size of 19 teeth (19T)
• Factors are used to modify power requirements for other sizes
• Normal min size to minimise polygonal action is 17T
• But some charts go down to 11T
• Pinions usually have an uneven number of teeth while chains
have an even number of pitches to distribute the wear evenly

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 26

 Polygonal action
This is the linear movement of the chain (extension and
compression) due to the difference between the straight line
distance AB compared to the arc AB
And it causes wear
pinion
tooth
roller

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 27

 Chain Drive design requirements
Chain design requirements are:

• the power to be transmitted

• speed of the driver (usually the smallest pinion)
• speed ratio
• duty of the drive
• and operational conditions

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 28

 Roller Chain types
Roller chain is available in both:
• British standard BS/DIN series ISO Type B
and
• American standard ANSI series ISO Type A

American standard chain has a higher breaking load but a

smaller bearing area so has a much shorter life [7]

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 29

 Chain Drive selection
The selection of correct chain size is usually done from charts plotting
power vs. driver pinion speed [3]

roller/bush failure roller or bush failure

Power
kNm/s or kW

galling = a form of
failure caused by
the adhesion of two
sliding surfaces
link plate failure together

Speed rev/min

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 30

 Chain Drive selection
For these chain drive selection problems we will use the Renold NZ catalogue [13]

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 31

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 32
 Chain Drive selection
The Renold NZ catalogue [13]

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 33

 Chain Formulae

Drive ratio

𝑁𝑁𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1
𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = =
𝑁𝑁𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑅𝑅𝑆𝑆

Power

𝑃𝑃 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 × 𝜔𝜔 𝑃𝑃 = 𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝐷𝐷 𝜔𝜔𝐷𝐷 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝐹𝐹 𝜔𝜔𝐹𝐹

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 34

 Chain Formulae
Chain length L (in number of pitches)
2
𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷
𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 + 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 2𝐶𝐶 × 𝑃𝑃
2𝜋𝜋
𝐿𝐿 = + +
2 𝑃𝑃 𝐶𝐶

• where dD and dF are the number of driver and follower teeth

• this is for a two point drive
• round up to an even number of pitches to avoid using a cranked link
• if a jockey sprocket is used add 2 pitches
• C = contemplated centre distance (mm) and should be equivalent to 30 –
50 pitches

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 35

 Chain Drive Elements [12]

cranked link

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 36

 Chain Formulae
Exact centre distance C (in mm)

𝑃𝑃 2
𝜋𝜋 2
𝐶𝐶 = 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 + 2L − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷
8 3.88

C = exact centre distance (mm) is will be greater than the contemplated

centre distance

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 37

 Chain Drive problem No 1 d2
Sketch
Select a chain drive for the following case:
A centrifugal pump rotates at 180 rev/min and is
powered by an electric motor rated at 7.5 kW and
720 rev/min at full load. ϴ1 ϴ2
The centre distance is 760 mm and the max allowable
diameter of the driven sprocket is 640 mm.
centrifugal
What is the chain length and exact centre distance?
d1 pump
[3/4 inch, 130p, 766 mm] 180 rev/min
Formulae
Centre distance C
Drive ratio 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 =
𝑁𝑁𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
=
1 electric motor
𝑁𝑁𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑅𝑅𝑆𝑆
7.5 kW
𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 +𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 2𝐶𝐶
𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹−𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2
×𝑃𝑃 720 rev/min
Chain length 2𝜋𝜋
𝐿𝐿 = 2
+ 𝑃𝑃
+
𝐶𝐶 List
Exact centre distance
d2 = 640mm (max), C = 760 mm

𝐶𝐶 =
𝑃𝑃
2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 + 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2 −
𝜋𝜋
𝑑𝑑 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2 Pmax = 7.5 kW, N1 = 720 rev/min, N2 = 180 rev/min,
8 3.88 𝐹𝐹

Power

𝑃𝑃 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 × 𝜔𝜔 𝑃𝑃 = 𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝐷𝐷 𝜔𝜔𝐷𝐷 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝐹𝐹 𝜔𝜔𝐹𝐹

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 38
 Chain Drive problem No 1
Step 2 find application factor f1
Step 1 select drive ratio and sprockets
from Chart 2 , pg 67
initially assume driver sprocket is 19T
Load is steady Class 1 and drive input is steady Class 1
𝑁𝑁𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 720
Drive ratio 𝐷𝐷𝑅𝑅 = = =4 Therefore selection factor = 1.0 smooth running
𝑁𝑁𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 180

answer
𝑑𝑑2 = 𝑑𝑑1 × 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = 19 × 4 = 76𝑇𝑇 answer

A 76T sprocket is available, see Chart 1 pg 66 answer

Step 3 find selection power

𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 = 𝑃𝑃 × 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆
answer 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 = 7.5 × 1.0 = 7.5 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 answer

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 39

 Chain Drive problem No 1

Step 4 select chain using drive BS/ISO rating

Chart, pg 69

X axis = 720 rev/min (N1)

Y axis = 7.5 kW (SP)

The intersection is on the boundary of a pitch of 5/8 SP = 7.5 kW

& ¾ inch answer
Check the availability of 19T 5/
8 & ¾ inch sprockets

from elsewhere in the catalogue, either solution is

acceptable
pitch 5/8 & ¾
OD for 5/ inch 76T sprocket = 392.5 mm (OK) answer
8 inch
OD for ¾ inch 76T sprocket = 471.1 mm (OK) answer
answer

Lubrication system for both is oil bath type 3 see pg

N1 = 720
71 & 72
rev/min
answer

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01

40
 Chain Drive problem No 1

Step 5 find chain length L for ¾ inch pitch chain Step 6 find the exact centre distance C for ¾ inch pitch
chain

𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 −𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2
𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 +𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 2𝐶𝐶 ×𝑃𝑃 𝑃𝑃 𝜋𝜋
2𝜋𝜋
𝐿𝐿 = + + 𝐶𝐶 = 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 + 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2 − 𝑑𝑑 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2
2 𝑃𝑃 𝐶𝐶 8 3.88 𝐹𝐹

76 − 19 2 19.05 𝜋𝜋
19 + 76 2 × 760 × 19.05 2 2
2𝜋𝜋 𝐶𝐶 =
8
2 × 130 − 76 − 19 + 2 × 130 − 76 − 19 −
3.88
76 − 19
𝐿𝐿 = + +
2 19.05 760

𝐶𝐶 = 766.35 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 answer

𝐿𝐿 = 129.35 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 answer

say 130 pitches (nearest whole even number)

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 41

 Chain Drive problem No 2 d2
Sketch
Select a chain drive for the following case:

A 11 kW electric motor running at 1470 rev/min is to

power a reciprocating 1 cylinder compressor at a ϴ1 ϴ2
nominal 300 rev/min.

The centre distance is 1150mm, find the chain length

[3/4 inch, 182 p, 1167 mm] 1 cyl compressor

d1
electric motor 300 rev/min
Formulae
11 kW
Drive ratio 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = 𝑁𝑁
𝑁𝑁𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑅𝑅
1 1470 rev/min Centre distance C
𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑆𝑆

𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹−𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2
𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 +𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 2𝐶𝐶 ×𝑃𝑃
Chain length 𝐿𝐿 = + + 2𝜋𝜋
2 𝑃𝑃 𝐶𝐶
List
Exact centre distance
C = 1150 mm, Pin = 11 kW, N1 = 1470 rev/min, N2 = 300
𝑃𝑃 2
𝜋𝜋 2
rev/min,
𝐶𝐶 = 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 + 2𝑙𝑙 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 − 𝑑𝑑 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷
8 3.88 𝐹𝐹

Power

𝑃𝑃 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 × 𝜔𝜔 𝑃𝑃 = 𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝐷𝐷 𝜔𝜔𝐷𝐷 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝐹𝐹 𝜔𝜔𝐹𝐹

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 42
 Chain Drive problem No 2
Step 2 find application factor f1
Step 1 select drive ratio and sprockets
from Chart 2 , pg 67
initially assume driver sprocket is 19T
Load is HI Class 3 and drive input is steady Class 1
𝑁𝑁𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1470
Drive ratio 𝐷𝐷𝑅𝑅 = = = 4.9 Therefore selection factor = 1.8 answer
𝑁𝑁𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 300

𝑑𝑑2 = 𝑑𝑑1 × 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = 19 × 4.9 = 93.1 𝑇𝑇 answer

A 95 T sprocket is available, see Chart 1 pg 66
DR = 5.0 so Nfollower = 294 rev/min

answer

Step 3 find selection power

𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 = 𝑃𝑃 × 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 = 11.0 × 1.8 = 19.8 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 answer
answer

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 43

 Chain Drive problem No 2

Step 4 select chain using drive BS/ISO rating

Chart, pg 69

X axis = 1470 rev/min (N1)

Y axis = 19.8 kW (SP) SP = 19.8 kW pitch ¾ inch

The intersection gives a pitch of ¾ inch (19.05 mm) answer

Lubrication system should be oil bath type 3 or 4 answer

see pg 71 & 72 answer

N1 = 1470
rev/min

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01

44
 Chain Drive problem No 2

Step 5 find chain length L Step 6 find the exact centre distance C

𝑃𝑃 𝜋𝜋
𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 −𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2 𝐶𝐶 = 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 + 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2 − 𝑑𝑑 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2
𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 +𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 2𝐶𝐶 2𝜋𝜋
×𝑃𝑃 8 3.88 𝐹𝐹
𝐿𝐿 = + +
2 𝑃𝑃 𝐶𝐶

19.05 𝜋𝜋
95 − 19 2 𝐶𝐶 = 2 × 182 − 95 − 19 + 2 × 182 − 95 − 19 2 − 95 − 19 2

× 19.05 8 3.88
19 + 95 2 × 1150 2𝜋𝜋
𝐿𝐿 = + +
2 19.05 1150
𝐶𝐶 = 1167.09 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
answer
61.3 pitches
𝐿𝐿 = 180.16 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 answer

(if we decided to go the other way, at 180 pitches L =

say 182 pitches (nearest whole even number) 1148.5 mm)

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 45

 Chain Drive problem No 3 d2
Sketch
A chain drive is required from a geared electric motor
unit to a fluid agitator requiring 283 Nm of torque at
1 rev/min.

The driver sprocket speed is 5 rev/min and the max ϴ1 ϴ2

allowable diameter of the follower sprocket is 508
mm.

The centre distance is 870 mm. fluid agitator

d1 283 Nm
[1/2 inch, 198 p, 882 mm]
electric motor 1 rev/min
Formulae
5 rev/min
𝑁𝑁𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1 Centre distance C
Drive ratio 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = 𝑁𝑁 = 𝑅𝑅
𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑆𝑆

𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹−𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2
𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 +𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 2𝐶𝐶 ×𝑃𝑃
Chain length 𝐿𝐿 = + + 2𝜋𝜋
2 𝑃𝑃 𝐶𝐶
List
Exact centre distance
d2 = 508 mm max, C = 870 mm
𝑃𝑃 2
𝜋𝜋 2
𝐶𝐶 = 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 + 2𝑙𝑙 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 − 𝑑𝑑 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷
8 3.88 𝐹𝐹

Power

𝑃𝑃 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 × 𝜔𝜔 𝑃𝑃 = 𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝐷𝐷 𝜔𝜔𝐷𝐷 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝐹𝐹 𝜔𝜔𝐹𝐹

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 46
 Chain Drive problem No 3
Step 2 find application factor f1, from Chart 2 , pg 67
Step 1 select drive ratio and sprockets
Load is steady Class 1 and drive input is steady Class 1
initially assume driver sprocket is 19T answer
Therefore selection factor = 1.0
𝑁𝑁𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 5
Drive ratio 𝐷𝐷𝑅𝑅 = = =5
𝑁𝑁𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 1

𝑑𝑑2 = 𝑑𝑑1 × 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = 19 × 5 = 95 𝑇𝑇 answer

answer
A 95T sprocket is available, see Chart 1 pg 66
DR = 5.0 so Nfollower = 1 rev/min

Step 3 find selection power

𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝜔𝜔 = 283 × 2𝜋𝜋�60 × 1/0.99 = 29.94 𝑊𝑊
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 = 𝑃𝑃 × 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆

answer
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 = 29.94 × 1.0 = 29.94 𝑊𝑊 answer

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 47

 Chain Drive problem No 3

Step 4 select chain using drive BS/ISO rating

Chart, pg 69

X axis = 5 rev/min (N1)

Y axis = 29.94 W (SP)

See note on Rating Chart, for speeds less than 10

rev/min, transmitted power= 10/N1 and read from
10 rev/min column

𝑃𝑃 = 29.94 × 10�5 = 58.87 𝑊𝑊 answer

The intersection gives a pitch of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm)

answer

Lubrication system should be manual type 1 see pg

71 & 72 SP = 29.94
answer pitch 1/2 N1 = 5 (10)
(58.8) W
inch
rev/min

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01

48
 Chain Drive problem No 3

Step 5 find chain length L Step 6 find the exact centre distance C

𝑃𝑃 𝜋𝜋
𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 −𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2 𝐶𝐶 = 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 + 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2 − 𝑑𝑑 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2
𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 +𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 2𝐶𝐶 2𝜋𝜋
×𝑃𝑃 8 3.88 𝐹𝐹
𝐿𝐿 = + +
2 𝑃𝑃 𝐶𝐶

12.7 𝜋𝜋
95 − 19 2 𝐶𝐶 = 2 × 198 − 95 − 19 + 2 × 198 − 95 − 19 2 − 95 − 19 2

× 12.7 8 3.88
19 + 95 2 × 870 2𝜋𝜋
𝐿𝐿 = + +
2 12.7 870
𝐶𝐶 = 881.99 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 answer

(alternatively at 196 pitches L = 869.09 mm)

𝐿𝐿 = 196.14 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 answer

Check if the max diameter of the follower sprocket is

say 198 pitches (nearest whole even number) 508 mm or less

From the catalogue its dia = 384.11 so it is OK

answer

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 49

 Chain Drive problem No 4 d2
Sketch
Select a chain drive for the following case:

A uniform feed elevator has a head shaft rotating at

240 rev/min and is powered by an electric motor ϴ1 ϴ2
rated at 15 kW at 970 rev/min.

The centre distance is 880 mm.

Find the clearance diameter of the driven sprocket. uniform feed

d1 elevator
[3/4 inch, 142 p, 882 mm] electric motor
240 rev/min
Formulae
15 kW
970 rev/min Centre distance C
𝑁𝑁𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1
Drive ratio 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = =
𝑁𝑁𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑅𝑅𝑆𝑆

𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹−𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2

Chain length 𝐿𝐿 =
𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 +𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹
2
+
2𝐶𝐶
𝑃𝑃
+ 2𝜋𝜋
𝐶𝐶
×𝑃𝑃
List

Exact centre distance C = 880 mm, Pin = 15 kW

𝑃𝑃 2
𝜋𝜋 2
𝐶𝐶 = 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 + 2𝑙𝑙 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 − 𝑑𝑑 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷
8 3.88 𝐹𝐹

Power

𝑃𝑃 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 × 𝜔𝜔 𝑃𝑃 = 𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝐷𝐷 𝜔𝜔𝐷𝐷 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝐹𝐹 𝜔𝜔𝐹𝐹 © J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 50
 Chain Drive problem No 4
Step 2 find application factor f1
Step 1 select drive ratio and sprockets
from Chart 2 , pg 67
initially assume driver sprocket is 19T
Load is steady Class 1 and drive input is steady Class 1
𝑁𝑁𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 970
Drive ratio 𝐷𝐷𝑅𝑅 = = = 4.04 Therefore selection factor = 1.0 answer
𝑁𝑁𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 240

𝑑𝑑2 = 𝑑𝑑1 × 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = 19 × 4 = 76 𝑇𝑇 answer

A 76 T sprocket is available, see Chart 1 pg 66
DR = 4.0 so Nfollower = 242.5 rev/min answer

Step 3 find selection power

𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 = 𝑃𝑃 × 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆
answer 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 = 15.0 × 1.0 = 15 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 answer

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 51

 Chain Drive problem No 4

Step 4 select chain using drive BS/ISO rating

Chart, pg 69

X axis = 970 rev/min (N1)

Y axis = 15 kW (SP)
SP = 15 kW pitch ¾ inch

The intersection gives a pitch of ¾ inch (19.05 mm) answer

Lubrication system should be oil bath type 3 see pg answer

71 & 72 answer

N1 = 970
rev/min

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01

52
 Chain Drive problem No 4

Step 5 find chain length L Step 6 find the exact centre distance C

𝑃𝑃 𝜋𝜋
𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 −𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2 𝐶𝐶 = 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 + 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2 − 𝑑𝑑 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2
𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 +𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 2𝐶𝐶 2𝜋𝜋
×𝑃𝑃 8 3.88 𝐹𝐹
𝐿𝐿 = + +
2 𝑃𝑃 𝐶𝐶

19.05 𝜋𝜋
95 − 19 2 𝐶𝐶 = 2 × 142 − 95 − 19 + 2 × 142 − 95 − 19 2 − 95 − 19 2

× 19.05 8 3.88
19 + 95 2 × 880 2𝜋𝜋
𝐿𝐿 = + +
2 19.05 880
𝐶𝐶 = 881.56 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 answer

Check the max diameter of the 76T follower sprocket

𝐿𝐿 = 141.67 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 answer
From the catalogue its dia = 471.1 mm answer

say 142 pitches (nearest whole even number)

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 53

 Chain Drive problem No 5 d2
Sketch
Select a chain drive from a worm gear reduction output
shaft to a conveyor head shaft.
The conveyor is uniformly fed and its head shaft requires a
torque of 970 Nm. ϴ1 ϴ2
The centre distance is 980 mm and due to space limitations
the driven sprocket must have a diameter not exceeding
440 mm.
The worm gear has an output of 24 rev/min and the
uniformly fed
conveyor head shaft rotates at 8 rev/min. Assume a d1 conveyor
drive efficiency of 99% 8 rev/min
[3/4 inch DS, 142 p, 984 mm]
worm drive unit Centre distance C
Formulae
24 rev/min
𝑁𝑁𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1
Drive ratio 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = =
𝑁𝑁𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑅𝑅𝑆𝑆

𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 +𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 2𝐶𝐶

𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 −𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2
×𝑃𝑃 List
Chain length 𝐿𝐿 = 2
+ + 2𝜋𝜋
𝑃𝑃 𝐶𝐶

Exact centre distance

d2 = 440 mm max, C = 980 mm, Mt out = 970 Nm

𝑃𝑃 2
𝜋𝜋 2
𝐶𝐶 = 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 + 2𝑙𝑙 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 − 𝑑𝑑 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷
8 3.88 𝐹𝐹

Power

𝑃𝑃 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 × 𝜔𝜔 𝑃𝑃 = 𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝐷𝐷 𝜔𝜔𝐷𝐷 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝐹𝐹 𝜔𝜔𝐹𝐹

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 54
 Chain Drive problem No 5
Step 2 find application factor f1 from Chart 2 , pg 67
Step 1 select drive ratio and sprockets Load is steady Class 1 and drive input is steady Class 1
initially assume driver sprocket is 19T Therefore selection factor = 1.0 answer
𝑁𝑁𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 24
Drive ratio 𝐷𝐷𝑅𝑅 = = =3
𝑁𝑁𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 8

𝑑𝑑2 = 𝑑𝑑1 × 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = 19 × 3 = 57 𝑇𝑇

A 57 T sprocket is available, see Chart 1 pg 66answer answer
DR = 3.0 so Nfollower = 8 rev/min

Step 3 find selection power

𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝜔𝜔 = 970 × 2𝜋𝜋�60 × 8/0.99 = 821 𝑊𝑊
answer
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 = 𝑃𝑃 × 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆

𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 = 821 × 1.0 = 821 𝑊𝑊 answer

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 55

 Chain Drive problem No 5

Step 4 select chain using drive BS/ISO rating

Chart, pg 69

X axis = 24 rev/min (N1)

Y axis = 821 W (SP)

The intersection gives a pitch of 1 inch (25.4 mm) answer answer

pitch 1 inch
single strand

Lubrication system should be manual type 1 see pg

71 & 72 SP = 821 W
answer
But the max diameter of the 57T follower sprocket

from the catalogue its dia = 474.9 mm which

exceeds the 440 mm limit N1 = 24
So it will not fit answer rev/min

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01

56
 Chain Drive problem No 5

Step 4 continued, try Duplex chain

select chain using drive BS/ISO rating Chart, pg 69

from the second column on the Y axis

X axis = 24 rev/min (N1)

Y axis = 821 W (SP, see 2nd column)

The intersection now gives a pitch of 3/4 inch answer

(19.05 mm) double strand

Lubrication system should be manual type 1 see pg answer

71 & 72 answer
pitch 3/4
And the max diameter of the 57T follower sprocket SP = 821 W
inch
from the catalogue its dia = 355.9 mm which less
than the 440 mm limit answer
So it will fit N1 = 24
rev/min

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01

57
 Chain Drive problem No 5

Step 5 find chain length L Step 6 find the exact centre distance C

𝑃𝑃 𝜋𝜋
𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 −𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2 𝐶𝐶 = 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 + 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2 − 𝑑𝑑 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2
𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 +𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 2𝐶𝐶 2𝜋𝜋
×𝑃𝑃 8 3.88 𝐹𝐹
𝐿𝐿 = + +
2 𝑃𝑃 𝐶𝐶

19.05 𝜋𝜋
57 − 19 2 𝐶𝐶 = 2 × 142 − 57 − 19 + 2 × 142 − 57 − 19 2 − 57 − 19 2

× 19.05 8 3.88
19 + 57 2 × 980 2𝜋𝜋
𝐿𝐿 = + +
2 19.05 980
𝐶𝐶 = 983.9 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 answer

𝐿𝐿 = 141.60 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 answer

say 142 pitches (nearest whole even number)

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 58

 Chain Drive Cheat Sheet
Useful formulae
2𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
𝜔𝜔 = 𝑁𝑁 10 =
69 180

𝑁𝑁𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 1
Drive ratio 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = =
𝑁𝑁𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑅𝑅𝑆𝑆

𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 −𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 2
𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 +𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 2𝐶𝐶 ×𝑃𝑃
Chain length 𝐿𝐿 = + + 2𝜋𝜋
2 𝑃𝑃 𝐶𝐶

Exact centre distance

𝐶𝐶

𝑃𝑃 2
𝜋𝜋 2
= 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 + 2𝐿𝐿 − 𝑑𝑑𝐹𝐹 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷 − 𝑑𝑑 − 𝑑𝑑𝐷𝐷
8 3.88 𝐹𝐹

Power

𝑃𝑃 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 × 𝜔𝜔 𝑃𝑃 = 𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝜂𝐷𝐷 𝜔𝜔𝐷𝐷 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝐹𝐹 𝜔𝜔𝐹𝐹

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 59
 Recapping this lecture

In this lecture we have:

• considered the elements of a chain drive transmission

• examined different types of chain and considered

their applications

• solved basic chain drive selection problems

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives

01 60
 Chain Drive References
1. http://www.britishconveyorchain.com/img/historyofchain/leo 9. http://www.hs-chain.com/products/15-1-1_s.jpg
nardodavinci.jpg
10. http://ecx.images-
2. Childs, P., Mechanical Design, 2nd Ed, 2004, Elsevier amazon.com/images/I/71CRLdOpa2L._SX355_.jpg
Butterworth-Heinemann
11. http://static1.squarespace.com/static/551d98d5e4b04c5afc
3. Deutschman, A. A. Michels, W. J. & Wilson, C. E. “Machine
d8e5e9/t/552fbed3e4b0ab38febe0114/1429192404621/
Design Theory and Practice.” 1975. MacMillan

4. http://www.indiantradebird.com/admin/members/8905/images/0 12. http://www.finkenrath.gr/images/roller_chains(1).jpg

_7e910c31.jpg
13. Renold Chain Products Catalogue, Ref
5. http://www.tommievaughnperformance.com/images/products/de REN8/ENG/17/96/10K/1
tail/M-6268-A302.jpg

6. http://www.ramseychain.com/images/home-rotator-3.jpg

7. Hoskins, A.K. and Harris, M.R. “Applied Mechanical Design”

3rd Ed. 1990. H & H Publishing, Victoria, Australia pages 10.13
– 10.20

8. http://www.elevatorchains.com/images/bushed_roller_chains
.jpg

© J. Prince 2019 MECHANICS DYNAMICS II ENME611 - Chain Drives 01 61