Belt / Pulley Surface Speed
Belt / Pulley Surface Speed
Belt drives are limited by their linear speed — too fast and the belt slips or overheats. The rim speed follows directly from pulley size and rpm.
The rim (belt) speed is v = π·D·n. where D is the pulley diameter and n the rotational speed in revolutions per second.
Inputs
D := 200 mm=200 mm
n := 25 Hz=25 Hz
The belt travels one circumference per revolution.
v := pi·D·n=15.71 m/s
Results
The belt speed feeds the power capacity (P = F·v) and must stay within the belt manufacturer’s limit, typically around 25–30 m/s for V-belts.
Assumptions & limitations
- No belt slip (kinematic speed).
- Speed n expressed in revolutions per second.
- Rigid pulley of nominal pitch diameter.