Abstract
A flexible circular plate loaded by gravity is termed as a heavy disk. In most of the studies conducted in circular plate deformation, stationary or rotating, the effect of gravity is not considered though it is a crucial parameter. This paper explains the study of the non-axisymmetric wrapping of a belt on a heavy pulley. Initially, Brazilian disc is analysed in order to evaluate the stress intensity factors under the application of body forces containing single crack by varying crack length along with its orientation. Later on, we used this concept for analysing pulley as a heavy rotating disk. Due to the high rotating speed of the pulley, it undergoes centrifugal force and compressive loading due to the varying belt tension during its operation. As a result of the complicated loading conditions created by the tractions, high stress concentration may arise due to repetition of which pulley may lead to fatigue failure. Hence, the lifetime optimization of the pulley is of great concern in order to ensure the safe operation of the belt drive system. In this study, the results of the FEA carried out on the disk of a belt pulley arrangement using fracture mechanics concepts are shown. Curves are plotted for various loading conditions. Finally, crack propagation paths for a specific case is determined using kink angle concepts for a pulley with pre-existing crack.
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