A method for experimental identification of bending resistance of reinforced rubber belts

Computational models for estimation of bending resistance of reinforced rubber belts are needed while considering internal resistance of mechanical devices where power transmission is achieved by rubber belts, e.g. rubber tracked undercarriages or belt conveyors. To verify a mathematical model of any physical phenomenon or process, appropriate experiments should be performed. The following paper presents a test stand and a method for experimental research on bending resistance of reinforced rubber belts. The results obtained for an exemplary sample of rubber track indicate that the energy lost due to bending resistance of the sample was affected by linear speed of the sample while wrapping it around a pulley, diameter of the pulley and, to a lesser extent, sample tension. The experiments similar to those presented herein have not been already discussed in the literature. However, their results stay in good agreement with the results of research on bending resistance of belt conveyors from qualitative point of view. From quantitative point of view they coincide with each other only to a limited extent.