Lesson 3 Chains

Lesson 3
 Chains
Chains
Are frequently used as connectors between parallel axes and also for
Conveying and hoisting machinery and for similar purposes. The wheels over which
chains run are called sprockets and have their surfaces shaped to conform to the type
of chain used.
Features of Chain Drives
Important advantages of the chain drive are 1) that it is adapted to long or short
center distances and 2) that one chain may be arranged to drive more than one unit. It
is important that the shafts be in good alignment, especially for high-speed chains and
for wide chains. Chain drives that are properly selected, installed, and lubricated
operate at high efficiency and low maintenance cost.
Two types of chains
1. Roller
2. Silent/Inverted-tooth chains
The speed ratio of shafts connected by chains depends upon the number of teeth on
the sprockets
N 1 T2

N 2 T1
where
N 1 = speed of driving sprocket; rpm
N 2 = speed of driven sprocket; rpm
T1 = number of teeth in driving sprocket
T2 = number of teeth in driven sprocket
• Linear chain speed

D pTN
Vm    n  , fpm
 12  12
where
V = chain speed, fpm
P = pitch of chain, inch.
T = number of sprocket teeth
N = sprocket speed, rpm
Although there is a trend toward higher chain speeds for ordinary applications,
economical speeds are of the order of 2,500 fpm for roller chains and 4,000 fpm for
silent chains. Both types of chains have been operated satisfactorily up to 6,500 fpm.
•Empirical formula in selecting a pitch

2
 900  3
p   
 N 
Where
P = pitch, inch.
N = speed of small sprocket, rpm
•To determine the Pitch Diameter (D) of a sprocket
p p
D 
sin  
2
sin 180
T
 
•Chain Length
The open belt formula maybe adapted to the chain as follows. Let D and d be
the pitch diameters, in inches, of the sprockets having T1 and T2 teeth respectively.
DP and d P the pitch diameters in pitches. P = pitch of chain; C = distance between
centers of sprockets, in inches; CP = center distance in pitches; L = length of chain in
inches; LP = length of chain in pitches.
L

D  d   2C   D  d
2
nearly
2 4C
 D P  d P 2
Then, L P  DP  d P   2C P 
2 4C P
Example 1.
A 1-inch. pitch roller chain is used with a 17-tooth sprocket rotating at 300 rpm
to drive a sprocket at 100 rpm. Determine the number of teeth on the driven sprocket,
the pitch diameter of each sprocket, and the length of the chain in pitches if the center
distance is 36 inches.
Solution
N 1 T2 N 1 T1
 ; T2 
N 2 T1 N2
300 17 
substitute values : T2   51t
100
Solving for the Pitch Diameter, D
P 1
D1  180

Sin T1 Sin 180
17
D1  5.44 inches
Also,
P 1
D2  180

Sin T2 Sin 180
51
D2  16.244 inches
Solving for the length of the chain; in pitches
LP 

DP1  DP 2   2C   DP 2  DP1 
2
2 4C P
where:
C
CP  ; Pitches
P
36
CP   36 pitches
1
LP 

5.44  16.244   236  16.244  5.44 
2
2 436 
LP  106.872 pitches.
Example 2.
Two parallel shafts, 24 inches apart, are connected by a ¾-inch. pitch silent
chain. A 19-tooth sprocket rotating at 900 rpm drives a 41-tooth sprocket. Determine
the speed of the driven sprocket, the pitch diameter of each sprocket, and the length
of the chain in pitches.
Solution
N1 T2 N1 T2
 ; N2 
N 2 T1 T1
900 41
substitute values : N 2   1942 .105 rpm
19
Solving for the Pitch Diameter, D
P 3/ 4
D1  180

Sin T1 Sin 180
19
D1  4.557 inches
Also,
P 3/ 4
D2  180

Sin T2 Sin 180
41
D2  9.798 inches
Solving for the length of the chain; in pitches
 D  DP1 2
LP  DP1  DP 2   2C  P 2
2 4C P
where:
C
CP  ; Pitches
P
24
CP   32 pitches
3/ 4

4.557  9.798   232  9.798  4.557 
2
LP 
2 432 
LP  78.4 pitches.
 LEARNING ACTIVITY
1. A ½-inch. pitch silent chain is used to connect two shafts rotating at 2000
rpm and 400 rpm. The chain speed is not to exceed 1500 fpm. Find the
number of teeth for each sprocket if no sprocket is to have less than 19
teeth.

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Lesson 3

• Linear chain speed

•Empirical formula in selecting a pitch

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