Study on Noise in New Roller Chain Drives

Abstract

In order to mitigate the impact and the polygon effect of the chain and the sprocket during the meshing process and achieve the purpose of noise reduction, a Hlow noiseH nanostructured metal mesh-polyurethane composite material split roller chain was designed by means of changing structure and material of chain roller. Noise testing and frequency spectrum analysis were conducted, for the new roller chain and the other three kinds of the same specification chains with different structural rollers, on the closed force flow noise test bench researched and developed independently. The results show that the new roller chain can absorb some of the impact energy, and reduce vibration and noise of chain drive. The noise level generated by the new roller chain is significantly lower than the other tested roller chains, especially in high frequency and high speed. The difference in noise level is actually 3-11dB in driving sprocket speed of 1000r/min, and a significant noise reduction is achieved. The results also verify low noise characteristics of the new roller chain and rationality of design method.