Experimental Investigation of the Impact Force That Occurs When a Roller Seats on the Sprocket During Normal Operation of a Roller Chain Drive

Abstract

Abstract As a roller “seats” onto a sprocket, an impact force occurs between these two elements due to the relative velocity between the roller and the sprocket tooth recess. This impact force is of interest because it can be related to chain noise, vibration, wear, and other phenomena of practical concern in the performance of chain drives. The magnitude of the impact force is equal to the product of the effective mass, the relative velocity, and the reciprocal of the time associated with the impact event. Unfortunately, it is difficult to estimate the effective mass, relative velocity, and appropriate impact time in order to estimate the impact force. In this paper we present the results from a recent experimental investigation of this impact force. The experimental procedure is described, and data are presented for a wide range of initial tensions, transmitted loads, and chain speeds. As might be expected, impact force increases rapidly with increases in chain speed. An empirical relation for impact force as a function of chain speed and chain tension is presented and general observations about the data are presented and discussed.