Dynamics of High-modulus Belts with Distributed Mass and Friction

Abstract

The power required to drive long conveyors is determined by calculating the rolling resistance and the gravity influences of the system masses which include the conveyed bulk material. Minimising rolling losses is a significant research activity worldwide by those involved in mechanical conveyor design. A belt’s stationary tension distribution is usually significantly different to the running tension distribution as a result of rolling forces. The paper provides a practical method for applying rolling losses to predict steady-state belt forces, with application to dynamic tension simulation during starting and stopping.